1. Overview of Meaning
The kanji “瞭” (ryou) generally means “clear” or “distinct.” It is often used to describe something that is easily understood or perceived.
2. Formation and Radical
Formation of the Kanji: The kanji “瞭” is a phonetic compound (形声文字) that combines the radical for “eye” (目) with the phonetic component “料” (ryou), which contributes to its meaning related to clarity and perception.
Radical: The radical of “瞭” is 目 (me), which means “eye.” This radical is commonly associated with vision and sight-related concepts.
3. Examples of Usage
Common Words and Phrases: “明瞭” (meiryō) meaning “clear” or “distinct,” and “瞭然” (ryōzen) meaning “obvious” or “evident.”
Example Sentence in Daily Conversation: “彼の説明はとても明瞭でした。” (Kare no setsumei wa totemo meiryō deshita.) – “His explanation was very clear.”
4. Synonyms and Antonyms
Similar Kanji: “明” (mei) also means “bright” or “clear,” but it often refers to light or brightness rather than clarity of understanding.
Opposite Kanji: “曖昧” (aimai) means “ambiguous” or “vague,” representing a lack of clarity or certainty.
5. Cultural and Historical Background
Relation to Japanese Culture: The concept of clarity is significant in Japanese culture, where clear communication is valued. The kanji “瞭” reflects this cultural emphasis on understanding and transparency.
Proverbs and Idioms: An example of a related idiom is “明瞭簡潔” (meiryō kanketsu), which means “clear and concise,” highlighting the importance of clarity in expression.