Meaning
The kanji 偉 (い, えら.い) expresses concepts like 'greatness', 'admirability', 'remarkability', and 'excellence'. It describes someone or something exceptional, superior, or possessing significant qualities that command respect and recognition. This kanji doesn't just refer to physical size; it also extends to moral, intellectual, or societal standing.
Its etymology is quite intriguing, originating from a phonosemantic compound. The left-hand radical is 亻 (にんべん - ninben), a variant of 人 (ひと - hito), meaning 'person'. This clearly connects the kanji's meaning to human attributes or characteristics. The right-hand component is 韋 (い), which acts as the phonetic component, influencing the kanji's On'yomi reading of イ. Historically, 韋 itself depicted 'tanned leather' or suggested the idea of 'going around' or 'encircling'.
Originally, the combination of a 'person' (人) and 'encircling' (韋) was thought to represent someone of 'conspicuous girth' or 'large physical stature' – literally a person who 'occupied a lot of space'. Over time, this physical interpretation evolved metaphorically. From being 'large in size', it transitioned to 'large in character', 'extraordinary', or 'surpassing others' in various aspects such as talent, status, or achievement. This evolution led to its modern meaning of 'great', 'admirable', or 'renowned'.
The kanji consists of 12 strokes and is considered a Jōyō Kanji, typically learned around the Junior High School grade level in Japan. For JLPT, it is generally classified at the N2 level, highlighting its importance for intermediate to advanced Japanese proficiency.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi reading for 偉 is イ (i). This reading is commonly used when 偉 appears in compound words (熟語 - jukugo), particularly those with a more formal or abstract meaning. These compounds often reflect the kanji's core sense of greatness, achievement, or distinguishing qualities.
- 偉大 (idai) — This term signifies 'greatness' or 'grandeur', often used to describe monumental achievements, historical figures, or abstract concepts like a 'great ideal'. For example, 偉大な思想 (idai na shisō - great idea) or 偉大な指導者 (idai na shidōsha - great leader).
- 偉人 (ijin) — Directly translating to 'great person' or 'eminent figure', this refers to individuals who have made significant contributions to society, science, art, or history. Think of historical heroes, renowned scientists, or influential leaders like 科学の偉人 (kagaku no ijin - great figure in science).
- 偉業 (igyō) — Meaning 'great achievement' or 'feat', this term is used for remarkable accomplishments that require immense effort, skill, or vision. Building the Great Wall of China or developing a cure for a major disease would be considered a 偉業. For instance, 人類初の月面着陸は偉業だ (Jinrui hatsu no getsumen chakuriku wa igyō da - Humanity's first moon landing was a great feat).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi reading for 偉 is えら.い (era.i). This reading is frequently found in the adjective form 偉い, which describes qualities of people or, less commonly, things. It's often used in a more direct and conversational manner than its On'yomi counterparts. This Kun'yomi often carries a native Japanese nuance and can sometimes imply social hierarchy or praise.
- 偉い (erai) — As an adjective, 偉い means 'great', 'admirable', 'distinguished', 'important', or 'superior'. It can be used to praise someone's efforts or achievements, as in 「よくやった、偉い！」(Yoku yatta, erai!) - "Well done, that's great!". It can also describe someone's position, like 偉い人 (erai hito) - 'an important person' or 'a superior', or 偉い先生 (erai sensei - a great teacher).
- 偉ぶる (eraburu) — This verb means 'to put on airs', 'to act important', or 'to be haughty'. It describes a negative trait where someone behaves as if they are superior to others, often in an arrogant or condescending way. For example, 「彼はいつも偉ぶっている」 (Kare wa itsumo erabutte iru) - "He is always putting on airs."
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 偉 is used in various Japanese words, often conveying senses of greatness, power, or distinguished status. Here are some common compounds, categorized by their primary emphasis:
People and Status
- 偉人 (ijin) — A great person; a prominent figure.
- 偉丈夫 (ijōfu) — A great man; a man of fine physique or character.
- 偉い人 (erai hito) — An important person; a superior.
Achievements and Concepts
- 偉大 (idai) — Greatness; grandeur; magnificent.
- 偉業 (igyō) — A great achievement; a feat; a distinguished accomplishment.
- 偉力 (iryoku) — Power; might; influence; authority.
- 偉観 (ikan) — A magnificent spectacle; a grand sight.
Appearance and Manner
- 魁偉 (kaii) — Brawny; muscular; imposing in appearance. (Often seen describing physical build.)
- 容貌魁偉 (yōbōkaii) — Having a commanding face and a powerful physique.
- 偉ぶる (eraburu) — To put on airs; to act important or haughty.
Adjectival Usage
- 偉い (erai) — Great; admirable; distinguished; important. (As in 偉い先生 - erai sensei - a great teacher).
Example Sentences
彼は偉い学者です。
Kare wa erai gakusha desu.
He is a great scholar.
偉大な科学者は人類に貢献しました。
Idai na kagakusha wa jinrui ni kōken shimashita.
The great scientist contributed to humanity.
彼の偉業は歴史に刻まれるだろう。
Kare no igyō wa rekishi ni kizamarete darou.
His great achievement will be etched in history.
子供が自分で宿題をしたら偉いと褒めました。
Kodomo ga jibun de shukudai o shitara erai to homemashita.
I praised the child for doing their homework by themselves, saying "That's great!".
あの会社の社長は偉そうに振る舞いがちだ。
Ano kaisha no shachō wa erasō ni furumai gachi da.
The president of that company tends to act as if they are important.
歴史上の偉人たちの物語を読むのが好きです。
Rekishijō no ijin-tachi no monogatari o yomu no ga suki desu.
I enjoy reading stories about great historical figures.
偉大なる自然の力に畏敬の念を抱く。
Idai naru shizen no chikara ni ikei no nen o idaku.
I feel awe for the great power of nature.
彼の新しい発明は偉大な一歩となるだろう。
Kare no atarashii hatsumei wa idai na ippo to naru darou.
His new invention will likely be a significant step forward.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 偉, envision it as combining 'person' (亻) with 'surrounding' or 'encompassing' (韋). Imagine a truly great (偉) person who is so important and influential that they metaphorically 'surround' everyone with their presence, knowledge, or power. Picture this 'great person' standing tall, their aura so immense it seems to 'encircle' all those around them. Alternatively, you can think of the radical 亻 (person) as a human, and 韋 (wei) as a phonetic component that sounds a bit like 'way' in English. A 'person' who goes a long 'way' or achieves a lot is truly 'great'. So, a 'person' who is 'way' above others in their accomplishments is 偉い. This visual and phonetic connection can help solidify the meaning of 'great' or 'admirable' in your mind, linking the components to the overarching concept of distinction.