由

音読おんよみ:

訓読くんよみ: よし

画数かくすう: 5 strokes

部首ぶしゅ: 田(た)

Meaning

Reason / Origin
often used in abstract or explanatory contexts.

  • 理由りゆう — reason
  • 由来ゆらい — origin
  • 自由じゆう — freedom
  • 経由けいゆ — via, through
  • 由緒ゆいしょ — lineage, history
  • よし — cause, reason (archaic form)

This kanji originally showed the shape of a wine gourd and came to mean “reason” or “cause.” It forms the base for many abstract words related to logic, explanation, and freedom.

理由りゆう説明せつめいしてください。
Please explain the reason.

かれ自由じゆう大切たいせつにしています。
He values freedom.

理
Creates
理由りゆう — reason
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