This kanji is made of two parts. At the top is an element showing crisscrossed threads, representing a thin cloth with a loose, open weave—something so difficult to craft that it was considered very rare. At the bottom is the ‘cloth’ radical. Combined, this kanji originally represented a rare, loosely woven fabric. Over time, it came to mean ‘rare’ or ‘scarce,’ and by extension, ‘to wish for’ or ‘hope’ for something precious.”
Words ＆Phrases
- 希少（kisyou):Something that happens very seldom, or exists in extremely small numbers.
- 希望（kibou):Wishing for a better future, both in who you want to become and what you hope for others.