Meaning
The kanji 凝 (ぎょう, こる, こらす) is an N1 level character with a wide range of meanings. These primarily revolve around 'solidification,' 'concentration,' and 'stiffening.' Its core meanings include 'to congeal,' 'to solidify,' 'to freeze,' 'to stare intently,' and 'to be absorbed in something.' It can also describe a state of physical stiffness, especially referring to muscles.
The character 凝 is a 形声字 (kei-sei-ji), a phono-semantic compound. It consists of two main parts: the radical 冫 (にすい, nisui), meaning 'ice' or 'cold water,' and the component 疑 (ぎ, gi), meaning 'doubt,' 'suspicion,' or 'uncertainty.' The 冫 radical provides a clear semantic hint of coldness, freezing, or the transformation of a liquid into a solid. While the 疑 component contributes to the sound (ぎょう), it also subtly influences the meaning. It suggests a state of being 'fixed,' 'stuck,' or 'concentrated,' much like a doubtful mind might dwell on a single point. Thus, the kanji visually and conceptually links the physical act of freezing or solidifying with the mental act of concentrating or being fixed on something.
When something 'congeals' or 'solidifies,' often due to cold as indicated by 冫, it becomes fixed and unmoving. This physical state naturally extends to mental states. For instance, one might 'fix' their eyes on something or 'concentrate' their efforts, becoming mentally 'stuck' or absorbed. Similarly, muscles can 'stiffen' or 'become rigid' (こる), reflecting a physical rigidity much like something frozen. This Jōyō Kanji has a total of 16 strokes and is typically studied at an advanced level, often corresponding to JLPT N1.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary on'yomi reading for 凝 is ギョウ (gyō). This reading appears in many formal compound words, especially those related to the physical processes of congealing, solidifying, and concentrating.
- 凝固 (gyōko) — solidification, congealing. This term describes the process of a liquid turning into a solid.
例: 液体は冷やすと凝固する。（Liquids solidify when cooled.）
- 凝縮 (gyōshuku) — condensation, compression, concentration. This describes the act of making something denser or reducing its volume.
例: その小説は、人生の本質を凝縮している。（That novel condenses the essence of life.）
- 凝集 (gyōshū) — aggregation, cohesion, clumping. This term describes particles or elements coming together, forming a cluster.
例: 細胞の凝集によって組織が形成される。（Tissues are formed by the aggregation of cells.）
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings for 凝 are こ・る (ko・ru) and こ・らす (ko・rasu). These readings are typically used in native Japanese words, often as verbs, and convey slightly different nuances.
- 凝る (koru) — This intransitive verb means 'to congeal,' 'to freeze,' 'to be absorbed in,' or 'to become stiff' (referring to muscles). It often implies a state of deep involvement or physical rigidity.
例: 最近、肩が凝っていて辛い。（Lately, my shoulders are stiff and it's painful.）
- 凝らす (korasu) — This transitive verb means 'to concentrate (one's efforts),' 'to fix (one's eyes),' or 'to devise (a plan) elaborately.' It implies actively directing one's attention or effort towards something.
例: 彼女は暗闇に目を凝らして、何かがあるか確認した。（She strained her eyes into the darkness to check if something was there.）
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 凝 appears in many words and compounds, showcasing its diverse meanings from physical states to mental actions. Below are some common examples, categorized for clarity:
Words related to Solidifying and Condensing:
- 凝固 (gyōko) — solidification; coagulation; congealing.
- 凝結 (gyōketsu) — coagulation; condensation; concretion. Often used for water vapor turning into liquid.
- 凝縮 (gyōshuku) — condensation; compression; concentration.
- 凝灰岩 (gyōkaigan) — tuff (a type of rock formed from volcanic ash).
- 血液凝固 (ketsueki gyōko) — blood coagulation.
Words related to Focusing and Stiffening:
- 凝る (koru) — to get stiff (e.g., muscles); to be absorbed in; to be elaborate.
- 肩凝り (katakori) — stiff shoulders. A very common physical complaint in Japan.
- 凝らす (korasu) — to concentrate (one's efforts); to fix (one's eyes); to devise (a plan) elaborately.
- 目を凝らす (me o korasu) — to stare intently; to strain one's eyes.
- 趣向を凝らす (shukō o korasu) — to devise a plan; to elaborate on a device or idea.
- 工夫を凝らす (kufū o korasu) — to rack one's brains; to elaborate a device; to contrive.
- 凝視 (gyōshi) — stare; gaze; fixed look.
- 凝然 (gyōzen) — stock-still; frozen (with fear/surprise); rigid. Often used to describe a motionless state.
- 凝り性 (korishō) — a person who easily gets stiff muscles; also, someone who is easily absorbed in hobbies or has particular tastes.
Example Sentences
パソコンの使い過ぎで首が凝ってしまった。
Pasokon no tsukai sugi de kubi ga kotte shimatta.
My neck became stiff from using the computer too much.
科学者は実験の結果を凝視していた。
Kagakusha wa jikken no kekka o gyōshi shiteita.
The scientist was staring intently at the experimental results.
水は0度で凝固し、氷になる。
Mizu wa rei-do de gyōko shi, koori ni naru.
Water solidifies at 0 degrees and turns into ice.
その料理人は、細部にまで凝った繊細な料理を作る。
Sono ryōrinin wa, saibu ni made kotta sensai na ryōri o tsukuru.
That chef makes delicate dishes that are elaborate even in their details.
雲は水蒸気が凝結してできる。
Kumo wa suijōki ga gyōketsu shite dekiru.
Clouds are formed when water vapor condenses.
森の奥から聞こえる音に、皆が耳を凝らした。
Mori no oku kara kikoeru oto ni, mina ga mimi o korashita.
Everyone strained their ears at the sound coming from deep within the forest.
彼の作品には、人生の悲劇と美しさが凝縮されている。
Kare no sakuhin ni wa, jinsei no higeki to utsukushisa ga gyōshuku sareteiru.
His work condenses the tragedy and beauty of life.
長旅の後は、体中が凝り固まってしまった。
Nagatabi no ato wa, karadajū ga kori katamatte shimatta.
After the long journey, my whole body became stiff and rigid.
捜査官は、現場で微細な証拠を求めて目を凝らした。
Sōsakan wa, genba de bisai na shōko o motomete me o korashita.
The investigator strained their eyes at the scene, searching for minute evidence.
祭の準備では、参加者が様々な工夫を凝らしていた。
Matsuri no junbi de wa, sankasha ga samazama na kufū o korashiteita.
In preparation for the festival, participants were devising various creative ideas.
Memory Tip
To remember 凝, break it down into its components: the 'ice' radical 冫 on the left, and 疑 (doubt, suspect) on the right. Picture a liquid freezing due to intense cold (冫), becoming rigid and unmoving—it 'congeals.' This physical state is similar to being 'stuck' or 'doubtful' (疑) about movement. Alternatively, imagine being so deeply 'absorbed' (こる) in thought or concentration that you become physically 'stiff' or mentally 'fixed,' much like something frozen by ice. The 疑 component also contributes phonetically, sounding like 'gi' (from ギョウ). So, you can connect the idea of your 'doubt' (疑) or concentration 'freezing' (冫) your body or mind, causing it to 'stiffen' or 'congeal' your attention.