Japanese kanji (漢字, kanji) carry deep history and meaning in their shapes and sounds. Today, we focus on the commonly used Japanese character “吏” (リ, ri), exploring its origins, modern usage, and related compounds. While it may not be frequently encountered, “吏” (リ, ri) encapsulates the essence of Japanese culture and history.
Origins of 吏 (リ, ri)
The kanji “吏” (リ, ri) has historically been used to refer to bureaucrats and officials in ancient China. This character evolved from pictograms symbolizing a person at work. Historical Chinese texts often describe “吏” (リ, ri) as individuals playing crucial roles in governing the country.
Meaning and Usage of 吏 (リ, ri)
“吏” (リ, ri) originally means bureaucrats or civil servants working in government or public institutions. In Japan, it is occasionally used in contexts related to laws and systems. However, it is not a common term in modern times and is mostly seen in classical literature and historical texts.
Reading, Stroke Count, and Radical of 吏 (リ, ri)
What are the characteristics of the kanji “吏” (リ, ri)?
- Reading: The on’yomi (音読み, on’yomi) is “リ” (ri), with no specific kun’yomi (訓読み, kun’yomi).
- Stroke Count: 6 strokes
- Radical: 人 (ひと・ひとがしら, hito/hitogashira)
Compounds, Idioms, and Proverbs Using 吏 (リ, ri)
Compounds and idioms containing “吏” (リ, ri) often refer to bureaucrats, civil servants, or related tasks. For example, “吏員” (リイン, riin) means civil servant, and “吏治” (リチ, richi) refers to administration by officials. Additionally, the proverb “門前の小吏” (モンゼンのショウリ, monzen no shōri) mocks minor officials wielding their limited power.
Summary of 吏 (リ, ri)
The kanji “吏” (リ, ri) has been used to denote bureaucrats and civil servants since ancient times, though its usage has declined in modern days. However, it remains in compounds and proverbs, reflecting the depth of the Japanese language. Each kanji, like “吏” (リ, ri), contributes to the rich tapestry of Japanese expression.
