The short story of Kanji pictures
This kanji is composed of two parts. On the left is the ‘tree’ radical. On the right is an element representing a flower calyx with a softly rounded curve. Because of this combination, the character came to mean a rounded drinking cup made of wood.
This kanji combines the “wood” radical on the left with a symbol depicting a person stretching fully between the floor and ceiling. Originally referring to the main roof beam of a house, it evolved to represent the “peak,” “limit,” or “ultimate.”
This kanji features the “tree” (wood) radical on the left and a symbol for a wide, tall structure that stretches from one end to another on the right. Combined, it originally meant a wooden “bridge.” Over time, its meaning expanded to describe anything that connects two points.
This kanji consists of two parts: the ‘tree’ radical on the left, and a hand holding a branch on the right. Originally, it referred to a tree branch itself. By extension, it came to mean ‘something that branches off from the main stream.’
The architecture of this Kanji character tells a beautiful story of nature:
When these two elemental symbols blend together, they create the Kanji for “Willow” (柳)—a tree that sways and blossoms with the graceful, fluid elegance of running water.
Perhaps it was essential for ancient people to first name the elements of nature around them, such as trees, rivers, mountains, and animals. This character beautifully represents ‘tree’ in a single word.
