Meaning
The kanji 瑠, pronounced ル (ru) in compounds, primarily refers to "lapis lazuli"—a deep blue metamorphic rock used as a semi-precious stone. More broadly, it can also encompass meanings like "gemstone," "precious stone," or even "glass," especially in compound words. At its core, 瑠 evokes images of beauty, rarity, and value.
The character 瑠 is a kei-sei moji (形声文字), a phono-semantic compound. This means it's formed by combining a semantic component, which suggests its meaning, and a phonetic component, which hints at its pronunciation. The left-hand radical, 玉 (ぎょく), serves as the semantic component. When used as a radical on the left, 玉 takes its simplified form 王 (おう). Meaning "jewel" or "precious stone," this clearly indicates 瑠's relation to gems. The right-hand component, 㐬 (りゅう), acts as the phonetic component, providing the "ru" (or historically "ryu") sound. This combination effectively conveys a "jewel" with a specific sound, leading to its strong association with lapis lazuli.
With its 14 strokes, the intricate visual shape of 瑠 reflects the complexity and preciousness associated with gemstones. Although not taught in elementary school (Grades 1-6), it is a Jōyō kanji encountered at higher levels, typically N1 in the JLPT, signifying advanced Japanese literacy.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 瑠 is ル (ru). This reading is almost exclusively found in compounds, especially those related to gemstones, glass, or specific place names. It never stands alone as a word using this reading.
- 瑠璃 (ruri) — Lapis lazuli. This is the most common and significant compound where 瑠 is encountered. It directly refers to the deep blue gemstone. This word is also used more broadly to refer to glass or a brilliant blue color.
- 瑠璃色 (ruriiro) — Lapis lazuli color; a brilliant deep blue. This compound specifically describes the distinctive hue of the gemstone.
- 七宝瑠璃 (shippō ruri) — One of the Seven Treasures (often refers to lapis lazuli) in Buddhist teachings. This term highlights the preciousness of lapis lazuli within a spiritual context.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 瑠 does not have any common kun'yomi (native Japanese readings). It is primarily used in compounds with its on'yomi, which points to its specialized and often imported nature. This typically refers to specific materials or concepts that entered Japanese culture through Chinese influence.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 瑠 predominantly appears in compound words, almost always with its on'yomi reading of ル (ru). These compounds are often related to gemstones, colors, nature, or even specific cultural and historical contexts.
- 瑠璃 (ruri) — Lapis lazuli; often used to mean deep blue glass or a brilliant blue color. This is the foundational compound for understanding 瑠.
- 瑠璃色 (ruriiro) — Lapis lazuli color; a vivid, deep blue, resembling the precious stone.
- 瑠璃光 (rurikō) — Lapis lazuli light; often refers to the radiant light associated with certain Buddhas (e.g., Yakushi Nyorai's pure land is often described with this light).
- 瑠璃殿 (ruriden) — Lapis lazuli hall; a magnificent, richly adorned building or palace, often metaphorical.
- 瑠璃草 (rurisō) — Lapis lazuli grass; a general term for plants with blue flowers, such as forget-me-nots (勿忘草).
- 瑠璃鳥 (rurichō) — Lapis lazuli bird; refers to birds with brilliant blue plumage, like the Blue-and-White Flycatcher.
- 瑠璃金 (rurikin) — Lapis lazuli gold; a type of enamel or decorative technique involving blue and gold colors, often seen in traditional crafts.
- 瑠璃細工 (rurizaiku) — Lapis lazuli work; fine craftsmanship using lapis lazuli or creating items in a lapis lazuli style (e.g., cloisonné).
- 瑠璃の島 (ruri no shima) — Island of lapis lazuli; a poetic or metaphorical expression for a beautiful island, particularly one surrounded by stunning blue waters.
- 七宝瑠璃 (shippō ruri) — Lapis lazuli as one of the Seven Treasures (Buddhist context). This emphasizes the gem's sacred and precious status.
Example Sentences
彼女は誕生石の瑠璃のネックレスを身につけていた。
Kanojo wa tanjōseki no ruri no nekkuresu o mi ni tsuketeita.
She was wearing a lapis lazuli necklace, her birthstone.
夕日が海に沈むと、空は瑠璃色に染ままった。
Yūhi ga umi ni shizumu to, sora wa ruriiro ni somatta.
As the evening sun set into the sea, the sky was dyed a lapis lazuli color.
美術品の中には、精巧な瑠璃細工が多く見られる。
Bijutsuhin no naka ni wa, seikō na rurizaiku ga ooku mirareru.
Many exquisite lapis lazuli artworks can be seen among the art pieces.
仏教では、瑠璃光は悟りや清浄を象徴します。
Bukkyō de wa, rurikō wa satori ya shōjō o shōchō shimasu.
In Buddhism, lapis lazuli light symbolizes enlightenment and purity.
庭には瑠璃色の花を咲かせる瑠璃草が植えられていた。
Niwa ni wa ruriiro no hana o sakaseru rurisō ga uerareteita.
Lapis lazuli grass, which blooms with lapis lazuli-colored flowers, was planted in the garden.
博物館には、古代エジプトの瑠璃の装飾品が展示されている。
Hakubutsukan ni wa, kodai Ejiputo no ruri no sōshokuhin ga tenji sareteiru.
The museum exhibits lapis lazuli ornaments from ancient Egypt.
山間の渓流には、瑠璃鳥の美しい姿が見られます。
Yamaai no keiryū ni wa, rurichō no utsukushii sugata ga mirareru.
The beautiful sight of the lapis lazuli bird can be seen in the mountain stream.
彼女は指輪に嵌められた瑠璃の輝きに魅了された。
Kanojo wa yubiwa ni hamerareta ruri no kagayaki ni miryō sareta.
She was fascinated by the sparkle of the lapis lazuli set in the ring.
Memory Tip
To remember 瑠, focus on its components. The left part, 王 (which is actually the radical 玉 for "jewel" when on the left), clearly suggests "king" or "jewel." Imagine a "king's jewel" to highlight its precious nature. The right part, 㐬, might be harder to directly associate, but you can think of it as a phonetic component that gives the "ru" sound. For a more visual link, picture a "jewel" (王) with a color so deep it seems to "flow" (a possible metaphorical interpretation of 㐬, which can relate to flowing or streaming). Imagine an intense blue, like lapis lazuli. Thus, a "king's flowing jewel" or "a jewel that glows like a blue stream" can help solidify its meaning and sound.