The beauty of the Japanese language lies in its richness of expression. Particularly, 常用漢字 (Jouyou Kanji) are deeply rooted in the daily lives of the Japanese people, with each character’s meaning and history closely intertwined with our culture. This time, we shine a spotlight on one such 常用漢字 (Jouyou Kanji), “利 (Ri),” delving into its etymology and modern usage.
Etymology of 利 (Ri)
The kanji “利 (Ri)” originates from ancient China, where it was derived from the shape of a “sickle” used to harvest grains. Because this sickle efficiently harvested crops, the meaning expanded to “profit” and “benefit,” which continues in modern words like “利益 (Rieki)” and “便利 (Benri).”
Meaning and Usage of 利 (Ri)
The kanji “利 (Ri)” carries meanings such as “to gain profit,” “to be convenient,” and “sharp.” It can refer to economic profit, the smooth progression of events, or the sharpness of an object. These meanings are utilized in various expressions within the Japanese language.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 利 (Ri)
The kanji “利 (Ri)” has fundamental readings in Japanese.
- Readings: On’yomi (音読み) is “リ (Ri),” and Kun’yomi (訓読み) is “き.く (Ki.ku)”
- Stroke Count: A total of 7 strokes
- Radical: リ (Rittou)
Idioms, Proverbs, and Phrases Using 利 (Ri)
There are numerous idioms, proverbs, and phrases in Japanese that include “利 (Ri).” Here are some examples:
- 利益 (Rieki): Refers to economic gain.
- 利口 (Rikou): Means clever or intelligent.
- 利子 (Rishi): The reward for lending money.
- 利権 (Riken): Refers to economic rights or benefits.
- “利にかなう (Ri ni kanau)”: Something that aligns with one’s profit.
- “利を見る目 (Ri wo miru me)”: The insight to judge the pros and cons of something.
Summary of 利 (Ri)
The kanji “利 (Ri),” as its shape suggests, has meanings derived from a sharp blade and is closely related to “convenience” and “profit” in our lives. Whether in economic activities or daily communication, words containing “利 (Ri)” are frequently used. Understanding the rich meanings behind these words is essential when choosing expressions.
