Meaning
The kanji 陵 means "mausoleum," "imperial tomb," "hill," or "mound." It is an N1 level kanji and is part of the Joyo kanji list, underscoring its importance in advanced everyday Japanese. With 11 strokes, its structure offers clear clues to its meaning. The left-hand radical is 阜 (こざとへん), which represents a "hill" or "mound." You'll find this component in many kanji related to geographical features or elevated terrain, such as 坂 (slope) or 険 (precipitous).
On the right side, we find the phonetic component 夌, which itself can mean "ridge" or "mound." This element not only provides the on'yomi reading for 陵 but also reinforces the kanji's connection to elevated landforms. Together, these components depict a significant mound or hill. Historically and culturally, such elevated sites often became the location for elaborate tombs of emperors and other important figures.
Its etymology suggests a natural elevated landform, a meaning that later broadened to include the grand structures built upon these sites to honor the deceased. The kanji's direct association with imperial tombs (御陵 or みささぎ) underscores its deep historical and cultural significance in Japanese society. It frequently refers to the revered resting places of past emperors and empresses, making it a term steeped in tradition.
While it is an N1 kanji, it is also a secondary school-level Joyo kanji, meaning it is expected knowledge for educated adults rather than being taught in elementary school.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi for 陵 is リョウ. This reading comes from its historical pronunciation in Chinese and is primarily used when the kanji forms part of a compound word, especially with other kanji of Chinese origin. It frequently appears in formal, historical, or academic contexts, often referring to grand tombs or distinct geographical features.
リョウ
陵墓 (ryōbo) — mausoleum, tomb. This term refers to a grand, often elaborate, tomb, typically for royalty or prominent individuals.
帝陵 (teiryō) — imperial tomb. This specifically denotes the tomb of an emperor, emphasizing its regal and historical importance.
山陵 (sanryō) — imperial tomb; a mountain or hill. This compound can refer to a natural mountain or, more commonly, an imperial tomb situated on a mountain or large hill, combining geographical and historical meanings.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main kun'yomi for 陵 is みささぎ. This native Japanese reading carries a traditional and archaic nuance. It is almost exclusively used to refer to an "imperial tomb" or "mausoleum" in a highly respectful and specific manner, particularly for the tombs of Japanese emperors and empresses.
While less common in everyday conversation than on'yomi compounds, it is crucial for understanding historical texts and cultural references related to imperial history and reverence.
みささぎ
御陵 (misasagi) — imperial tomb, mausoleum. This is the most common usage of the kun'yomi when respectfully referring to Imperial Family tombs. The prefix 御 adds an extra layer of politeness and reverence, highlighting the sacred nature of the site.
陵 (misasagi) — imperial tomb, mausoleum. When used alone, 陵 also refers to an imperial tomb, maintaining its traditional and formal connotation, especially in classical literature or official documents.
天皇陵 (tennō no misasagi) — Emperor's mausoleum. This provides a more explicit way to refer to an emperor's tomb, combining the general term with the emperor's title to specify the occupant.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 陵 frequently appears in compounds related to historical sites, geography, and ceremonial structures. These terms demonstrate its dual meaning as an elevated landform and a place of imperial burial. Learning these compounds is key to grasping its full range of usage.
Imperial & Historical Terms:
陵墓 (ryōbo) — mausoleum, tomb. This is a general term for a large, often elaborate tomb, typically for significant historical figures.
御陵 (goryō) — imperial tomb. This on'yomi reading is also commonly used for imperial tombs. It's often interchangeable with みささぎ, but may have a slightly broader application or be used in less exclusively ceremonial contexts.
孝霊天皇陵 (Kōrei Tennō Ryō) — Emperor Kōrei's Mausoleum. This is a specific example of an actual imperial tomb, illustrating how the kanji is used in proper nouns for historical sites.
古墳群・陵 (kofungunryō) — cluster of ancient tombs/mausolea. This refers to groups of burial mounds from ancient times, which often include sites now recognized as imperial tombs.
陵寝 (ryōshin) — imperial mausoleum. An archaic or more formal term for an imperial burial site, frequently found in classical texts.
Geographical & Landscape Terms:
丘陵 (kyūryō) — hills, hilly district. This refers to a series of hills or an area characterized by rolling terrain, underscoring the kanji's core meaning of a mound.
山陵 (sanryō) — imperial tomb; a mountain or hill. It can denote a natural mountain range or an emperor's tomb located on one, highlighting the overlap between natural and man-made elevated structures.
陵線 (ryōsen) — ridge (of a hill or mountain). This describes the line formed by the top of a series of hills or a mountain, connecting to the idea of an elevated contour.
陵地 (ryōchi) — hilly land, high ground. This refers to elevated or undulating land, stressing its topographical nature.
Other Usage:
陵犯 (ryōhan) — encroachment, transgression. This less common usage gives 陵 a sense of "overstepping" or "violating boundaries." It's often metaphorical, perhaps stemming from the idea of something being "lofty" or "overlooking," thus implying superiority or infringement.
Example Sentences
奈良には多くの天皇陵が点在しています。
Nara ni wa ooku no tennōryō ga tenzai shiteimasu.
Many imperial mausoleums are scattered throughout Nara.
山陵の周辺は厳かな雰囲気に包まれている。
Sanryō no shūhen wa ogosoka na fun'iki ni tsutsumareteiru.
The area around the imperial tomb is enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
丘陵地帯を歩いていると、遠くに古い陵が見えた。
Kyūryōchitai wo aruiteiru to, tooku ni furui ryō ga mieta.
While walking through the hilly region, I saw an old mausoleum in the distance.
宮内庁が管理する御陵は一般の立ち入りが制限されている。
Kunaichō ga kanri suru goryō wa ippan no tachiiri ga seigen sareteiru.
Public access is restricted to the imperial tombs managed by the Imperial Household Agency.
歴史家たちは、その巨大な陵墓の謎を解明しようと試みている。
Rekishika-tachi wa, sono kyodai na ryōbo no nazo wo kaimei shiyō to kokoromiteiru.
Historians are attempting to unravel the mystery of that colossal mausoleum.
祖先が眠る陵を訪れることは、私にとって大切な行事だ。
Sosen ga nemuru misasagi wo tazureru koto wa, watashi ni totte taisetsu na gyōji da.
Visiting the imperial tomb where my ancestors rest is an important event for me.
明日、あの有名な古墳群にある陵を見学する予定です。
Asu, ano yūmei na kofungun ni aru ryō wo kengaku suru yotei desu.
Tomorrow, I plan to visit the mausoleum located in that famous cluster of ancient tombs.
日本には数多の世界遺産である古代の陵が存在する。
Nihon ni wa amata no sekaiisan de aru kodai no ryō ga sonzai suru.
There are numerous ancient mausoleums in Japan that are World Heritage Sites.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 陵, imagine a "hill" with a "roof" protecting something precious. The left side, 阜 (こざとへん), clearly represents a "hill" or "mound," often seen as a sloping, elevated landform. You'll find this component in many kanji related to land features.
The right side, 夌, serves primarily as a phonetic component, giving the kanji its on'yomi リョウ. It also visually reinforces the meaning of "ridge" or "mound." To remember 夌, you can visualize a "roof" (冖) over a "private" 厶 space, with "feet" (夂) approaching it. So, picture a grand, protected, and private resting place (the right side) built upon a natural "hill" or "mound" (the left side).
This sacred mound represents an imperial tomb or mausoleum, where important individuals are laid to rest and visited by people who walk there. This imagery helps connect the visual elements to the kanji's core meanings.