1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “覧” (ran) means “to look at” or “to view.” It is often used in contexts related to observing or examining something carefully.
2. Origin and Radicals
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “覧” is a compound character, which means it is formed by combining two or more elements. It is classified as a phonetic-ideographic character, where the left part (見) represents the meaning related to seeing, and the right part (覧) provides the phonetic sound.
Radical: The radical of “覧” is 見 (mi), which means “to see” or “to look.” This radical is commonly found in kanji related to vision or observation.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: Some frequently used words that include “覧” are:
- 覧会 (らんかい, rankai) – exhibition
- 閲覧 (えつらん, etsurann) – browsing or viewing (often used in the context of documents or websites)
Example Sentences in Daily Conversation:
- この本を閲覧してもいいですか？ (Can I browse this book?)
- 美術館での覧会はとても楽しかったです。 (The exhibition at the art museum was very enjoyable.)
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: A similar kanji is 見 (mi), which also means “to see.” However, “覧” has a more formal or refined connotation, often used in written language or specific contexts.
Opposite Kanji: An antonym could be 忘 (わす, wasu), which means “to forget.” While “覧” involves observing or viewing, “忘” indicates a lack of awareness or memory.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The kanji “覧” is often used in formal contexts, such as in literature, art, and academic settings. It reflects the Japanese appreciation for observation and careful examination.
Proverbs and Idioms: One common phrase is “見ることは知ること” (miru koto wa shiru koto), which translates to “to see is to know.” This emphasizes the importance of observation in gaining knowledge.