Meaning
The kanji 披 (ひ) primarily refers to opening, unrolling, spreading out, or displaying something. It can also mean to exhibit, uncover, expose, or remove a covering. Often, 披 implies the deliberate act of revealing something previously hidden or concealed. Unlike a simple opening, it suggests a more formal unveiling, frequently in a public or communicative context.
The kanji's origin lies in its phonetic-semantic composition. The left-hand radical, 手 (てへん), directly points to actions involving the hand. The right component, 皮 (ひ / kawa), meaning “skin” or “leather,” acts as both the phonetic element (giving the kanji its On'yomi reading 'ヒ') and a conceptual clue. One can imagine using one’s hand to “peel back” or “uncover” a layer, much like skin or a covering. This visual and conceptual connection vividly illustrates its core meanings of unfolding, displaying, and revealing.
The kanji's visual structure further reinforces this idea. The 'hand' radical on the left provides the sense of agency and action, while the 'skin' component on the right suggests something being brought into view by being peeled, spread, or opened. Together, they form a vivid image of using one's hand to uncover or present something. Comprising 8 strokes, 披 is a Jōyō Kanji. It's typically encountered in high school or during advanced Japanese language studies, corresponding to the N1 level of the JLPT. Unlike many kanji, it isn't assigned to a specific elementary school grade.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The main On'yomi reading for 披 is ヒ (HI). This reading consistently appears in compound words, conveying nuances of opening, spreading, or disclosing. These compounds often arise in formal or specialized contexts, particularly when referring to presentations, disclosures, or literary recitations.
- 披露 (hirō) — presentation, announcement, disclosure, wedding reception. This is one of the most common compounds, frequently used for public announcements, such as wedding receptions or new product launches.
- 披見 (hiken) — perusal, examination. This implies carefully opening and looking through documents or texts.
- 披瀝 (hireki) — expressing one's true feelings, revealing one's heart. It suggests a sincere and open disclosure of inner thoughts.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The principal Kun'yomi reading for 披 is ひらく (hiraku). While other kanji like 開く also commonly mean "to open," 披く (ひらく) carries a distinct emphasis. It specifically refers to spreading out, unrolling, or opening a covering. This usage often appears in more traditional, literary, or formal contexts, highlighting the revealing aspect rather than just a simple opening.
- 風呂敷を披く (furoshiki o hiraku) — to unroll or unfold a furoshiki (traditional Japanese wrapping cloth). This highlights the action of spreading out the cloth.
- 書物を披く (shomotsu o hiraku) — to open a book, often implying perusal or careful study.
- 胸襟を披く (kyōkin o hiraku) — to open one's heart, to speak frankly and sincerely. This idiomatic expression metaphorically employs the kanji's core meaning.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 披 appears in various compounds, frequently in formal, literary, or specialized contexts. These compounds typically revolve around themes of presenting, disclosing, spreading, or revealing.
Words related to Presentation/Disclosure:
披露 (hirō) — presentation, announcement, disclosure, wedding reception. Example: 新製品の披露 (shinseihin no hirō - new product announcement).
披露宴 (hirōen) — wedding reception. A common and specific use of 披露.
披見 (hiken) — perusal, examination (of documents). This often implies a careful examination or perusal of documents.
披瀝 (hireki) — expressing one's true feelings, revealing one's heart. A strong emphasis on sincerity.
披講 (hikō) — recitation (especially of Waka poetry). A formal recitation of Waka poetry, often in a ceremonial setting.
Words related to Spreading/Unrolling/Uncovering:
披襟 (hikin) — opening one's lapel (metaphorically: opening one's heart, being frank). Similar to 胸襟を披く.
披衣 (hii) — putting on a coat/robe (literally spreading clothes over oneself). This emphasizes the act of putting on a coat or robe by spreading the garment.
披展 (hiten) — displaying, exhibiting (e.g., a painting or document). Used for formal exhibitions, such as displaying historical documents.
披捲 (hiken) — unrolling a scroll, unfurling. Specific to things that are rolled up.
披陳 (hichin) — to state one's opinion or case, to declare. To lay out one's position or facts clearly.
Example Sentences
新婚夫婦は盛大な披露宴を催した。
Shinkon fūfu wa seidai na hirōen o moyōshita.
The newlywed couple held a grand wedding reception.
その事件の詳細は後日披見されるだろう。
Sono jiken no shōsai wa gojitsu hiken sareru darō.
The details of the incident will probably be disclosed (or made available for perusal) later.
彼は友人に対して胸襟を披いて話した。
Kare wa yūjin ni taishite kyōkin o hiraite hanashita.
He opened his heart and spoke to his friend.
コンサートでは新曲が初披露された。
Konsāto dewa shinkyoku ga hatsu hirō sareta.
The new song was performed for the first time at the concert.
彼の真摯な言葉には真情を披瀝する思いが込められていた。
Kare no shinshi na kotoba niwa shinjō o hireki suru omoi ga komerarete ita.
His earnest words contained the sentiment of openly expressing his true feelings.
歴史的な文献が一般に披展された。
Rekishiteki na bunken ga ippan ni hiten sareta.
Historical documents were publicly displayed.
会議では、それぞれの立場から意見が披陳された。
Kaigi dewa, sorezore no tachiba kara iken ga hichin sareta.
At the meeting, opinions were presented from various perspectives.
彼は古い巻物を静かに披いた。
Kare wa furui makimono o shizuka ni hiraita.
He quietly unrolled the old scroll.
先生は教材の披見を生徒に勧めた。
Sensei wa kyōzai no hiken o seito ni susumeta.
The teacher encouraged students to peruse the teaching materials.
政治家は国民に対して胸襟を披くべきだ。
Seijika wa kokumin ni taishite kyōkin o hiraku beki da.
Politicians should open their hearts to the public.
Memory Tip
To remember 披, visualize its two components: the left radical 手 (てへん), representing "hand," and the right component 皮 (かわ), meaning "skin" or "leather." Imagine using your hand to literally peel back a piece of skin or unroll a sheet of leather. This action directly links to the core meanings of "to open," "to unroll," "to spread out," and "to display." The '皮' component also conveniently provides the 'ヒ' sound for the On'yomi reading, reinforcing its connection. Thus, picture using your hand to reveal (ひらく) or present (ひろう) something by taking off its 'skin' or covering.