The kanji character 青 generally represents the color "blue" or "green." However, its meaning extends beyond just a specific color. It can also signify something fresh, unripe, young, or immature. It often evokes a sense of youthfulness, vibrancy, and naturalness.

・On-yomi (音読み): セイ (sei) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): あお (ao)

⚫︎ 青い空 Translation: Blue sky ⚫︎ 青年 (seinen) Translation: Youth, young man ⚫︎ 青信号 (ao shingou) Translation: Green light (used in traffic signals, even though it appears blue)

The kanji 青 is believed to have originated from a picture of a plant sprouting from the ground. Over time, it came to represent the color of the young, vibrant plant, eventually encompassing both blue and green. The top part depicts the plant and the bottom part depicts the well (井) which means earth.