Nihongo

Kanji Detail of 了

Level:N2 Low
Strokes:2
Stroke Order
Related Words
AI Explanation
Basic Meaning

The kanji primarily conveys the idea of "completion," "finished," or "to end." It signifies that something has come to a conclusion or a state of being done. It can also imply understanding or comprehension.

Readings

・On-yomi (音読み): リョウ ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): おわ(る), お(わる)

Usage Examples

⚫︎ 終了(しゅうりょう) Translation: End; finish; completion. ⚫︎ 了解(りょうかい) Translation: Understanding; comprehension; acknowledgement; agreement. ⚫︎ 終わりました。 Translation: It is finished./ I'm done.

Origin and Formation

The kanji is considered to be a pictograph. It depicts a child or baby with its arms and legs bent, essentially showing the form "born" or "complete." Initially, it might have represented the completion of a child's birth or the act of being "born" into existence. Over time, the meaning broadened to encompass the general idea of completion.

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