Night is not just a time of darkness; in Japanese culture, it holds poetic imagery and diverse meanings, making it a special concept. This article focuses on the 常用漢字(じょうようかんじ) “夜(よる)” (yoru), exploring its etymology, modern usage, and even idioms and proverbs related to the night, delving into its profound world.
Origin of 夜(よる) (Yoru)
The character “夜(よる)” (yoru) originated in ancient China to denote the time of evening when it becomes dark. It is composed of “亠(おおざと)” (oozato), representing the setting sun below the horizon, and “人(ひと)” (hito), meaning a person at rest. As night falls and people cease their activities to rest, this kanji came to symbolize such times and situations.
Meaning and Usage of 夜(よる) (Yoru)
夜(よる) (yoru) refers to the period from sunset to the next day’s sunrise and is read as “yoru” in Japanese. This word not only indicates a time of day but also evokes various images such as tranquility, rest, or romance. It is used in a wide range of expressions like “夜空(よぞら)” (yozora – night sky), “夜更(よふ)かし” (yofukashi – staying up late), and “夜明(よあ)け” (yoake – dawn).
Reading, Stroke Count, and Radical of 夜(よる) (Yoru)
The 常用漢字(じょうようかんじ) “夜(よる)” (yoru) is appreciated in Japanese calligraphy for its form and meaning.
- Reading: On’yomi as “ヤ(や)” (ya), Kun’yomi as “よる” (yoru)
- Stroke count: 8 strokes
- Radical: 夕(ゆうべ) (yuube – evening)
Idioms, Idiomatic Expressions, and Proverbs Using 夜(よる) (Yoru)
Japanese has numerous idioms, idiomatic expressions, and proverbs that include “夜(よる)” (yoru). For example, “夜(よ)もすがら” (yomosugara) means all night long, and “夜長月(よながつき)” (yonagatsuki) refers to enjoying the long nights of autumn. Additionally, “夜(よる)を徹(てっ)する” (yoru o tessuru) means to stay up all night, often used to describe being engrossed in work or study before a deadline.
Summary of 夜(よる) (Yoru)
夜(よる) (yoru) transcends being just a time period and is deeply rooted in people’s lives and culture. Its etymology, modern usage, and idioms and proverbs about the night reflect various emotions and values that Japanese people associate with the night. Understanding the allure of 夜(よる) (yoru) can enrich our daily lives, making it an indispensable element of our existence.
