The short story of Kanji pictures
This kanji is made of two parts. On the left is the ‘mouth’ radical, and on the right is an element depicting cloths or streamers fluttering in the wind, blurred and hard to distinguish. Combined, this kanji represents two mouths pressed together so closely in a kiss that they become indistinguishable.
This kanji is said to depict cloth or streamers fluttering in the wind, swaying so quickly that they become blurred and hard to distinguish. Over time, this image of an unclear, obscured state evolved to express ‘do not,’ ‘must not,’ or general negation.
The ‘axe’ radical originally symbolized the power to push forward and joyfully break through obstacles. However, with an added mark showing a reverse or repelling motion, this kanji came to mean ‘to dismiss’ or ‘to turn down’ something.
As you can see, this kanji depicts an axe cutting a tree. It was originally used to represent chopping wood and other materials. By extension, it came to mean analyzing or breaking something down.
木を斧（おの）で真っ二つに割っている様子を表した漢字です。もともとは木材などを細かく切り割ることを意味していましたが、そこから物事を細かく分けて調べる「分析する（分解して明らかにする）」という意味になりました。
On the left side of this kanji is the ‘word’ radical, which combines a sword and a mouth to represent a sacred promise made to God. On the right is an element depicting an axe with a mark showing a reverse or repelling motion. Combined, this kanji came to mean ‘to accuse’ or ‘to voice opposition’ against an opponent.
この漢字は、左側は神様への誓約を表す「言（ごんべん）」、右側はおのを逆向きに振り払うような動きを表しています。これらが組み合わさり、相手に対して異議を唱えたり、罪や非を責め立てたりする「訴える・非難する」という意味になりました。
On the left side of this kanji is the ‘word’ radical, which combines a sword and a mouth to represent a sacred promise made to God. On the right is an element depicting a footprint stopping in front of a line, symbolizing halting someone before they go in the wrong direction. Combined, this kanji came to mean ‘testimony’ or ‘proof.’
This kanji consists of two parts. On the left is an altar dedicated to the gods. On the right is an axe, representing the power to push forward and break through obstacles. Combined, this kanji represents offering strength to the gods, which came to mean ‘to pray.’
