Kanji (かんじ) deeply rooted in Japanese culture serve as keys to conveying history and philosophy through words. Among them, “励 (れい)” is a commonly used character in daily life, carrying a powerful message that encourages effort and motivation. This article delves into the origin, meaning, usage, readings, stroke count, and radical of “励 (れい)”, and introduces idioms, phrases, and proverbs that use this character. Let’s explore the unique charm of “励 (れい)” while appreciating the depth of the Japanese language.
Origin of 励 (れい)
The kanji “励 (れい)” can trace its origins back to ancient Chinese oracle bone script. Originally, it derived from a pictograph meaning to apply force to correct something. Over time, it evolved to represent the concept of people striving to improve things through effort, leading to its use in words like “励む (はげむ)” and “励ます (はげます)”.
Meaning and Usage of 励 (れい)
“励 (れい)” is primarily used to mean “to make an effort,” “to encourage,” or “to inspire.” In Japanese, it is commonly used in forms like “励ます (はげます)” or “励む (はげむ)” to cheer someone up or to motivate oneself. In business contexts, expressions like “励行 (れいこう)” or “奮励 (ふんれい)” are frequently used to promote proactive behavior.
Readings, Stroke Count, and Radical of 励 (れい)
The kanji “励 (れい)” is a character that reflects the profound nature of the Japanese language in both its structure and meaning.
- Readings: On’yomi (おんよみ) is “レイ (れい)”, Kun’yomi (くんよみ) is “はげ.む (はげむ)” and “はげ.ます (はげます)”
- Stroke count: 15 strokes
- Radical: 力 (ちから) (meaning “power” or “force”)
Idioms, Phrases, and Proverbs Using 励 (れい) and Their Meanings
There are many idioms, phrases, and proverbs that include “励 (れい)”, allowing for diverse usage in various situations. For example, “奮励努力 (ふんれいどりょく)” means “to make a strenuous effort,” “励行 (れいこう)” means “to diligently carry out,” and “励起 (れいき)” means “to arouse enthusiasm or passion.” The proverb “石の上にも三年 (いしのうえにもさんねん)” teaches that “perseverance over time can overcome difficulties.”
Conclusion on 励 (れい)
The kanji “励 (れい)” is used in various forms in our daily lives, teaching us the importance of effort and growth. This single character has the power to encourage and motivate, symbolizing the richness of Japanese expression. Through this explanation, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of the meaning and usage of “励 (れい)” and enjoy the more enriched world of words it offers.
