1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “瑠” (ru) generally refers to a type of precious stone, particularly lapis lazuli, which is known for its deep blue color. It symbolizes beauty and rarity.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “瑠” is a phonetic compound (形声文字), where the left part (王) suggests a connection to precious materials, and the right part (留) provides the pronunciation.
Radical: The radical for “瑠” is “王” (king), which is often associated with jewels and precious items.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “瑠璃” (ruri) means lapis lazuli, and “瑠璃色” (ruri-iro) refers to the color of lapis lazuli, a vivid blue.
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “このネックレスは瑠璃でできています。” (Kono nekkuresu wa ruri de dekiteimasu.) – “This necklace is made of lapis lazuli.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: “宝” (hō) means treasure, which also conveys the idea of something valuable but is broader in meaning, encompassing various types of treasures.
Antonyms: “無” (mu) means nothingness or absence, representing the opposite of value and rarity.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Connection to Japanese Culture: In Japanese culture, lapis lazuli has been valued for its beauty and is often used in art and jewelry. It is associated with wisdom and protection.
Proverbs and Idioms: While there are no specific proverbs that directly mention “瑠,” the beauty of lapis lazuli is often referenced in discussions about art and aesthetics in Japanese literature.