Meaning
The N2 kanji 景 (ケイ, けしき) is central to expressing concepts related to what we see and perceive around us. It primarily means 'scenery,' 'view,' 'landscape,' and 'scene.' In specific contexts, it can also imply 'prospects' or 'conditions,' particularly when combined with other kanji related to the economy or situations.
The character 景 is a phono-semantic compound. It combines 京 (ケイ), which depicts a tall building or capital city and provides the phonetic element, with 日 (ひ), meaning 'sun' or 'day.' This structure visually suggests the sun illuminating a grand, prominent scene or vista, emphasizing light and visibility. Though not a direct pictograph of a landscape, its components evoke the idea of a significant or broad sight.
With 12 strokes, 景 is taught in the 6th grade of Japanese elementary schools. This highlights its foundational importance for describing visual environments and appreciating their aesthetic qualities in the Japanese language.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi (Chinese-derived reading) for 景 is ケイ (KEI). This reading frequently appears in compounds, especially when referring to specific types of scenes, views, or conditions. It often carries a more formal or abstract nuance compared to its Kun'yomi.
風景 (fūkei) — This common word means "scenery" or "landscape," referring to a broad natural or urban view. It's often used to describe beautiful or expansive settings.
美しい風景 (utsukushii fūkei) — beautiful scenery
故郷の風景 (kokyō no fūkei) — hometown scenery
景色 (keshiki) — Meaning "scenery" or "view," this term often focuses on the immediate visual aspect from a particular vantage point. It's a frequent use of ケイ, combining with 色 (color) to literally imply "the colors of the view."
窓からの景色 (mado kara no keshiki) — the view from the window
夜景 (yakei) — night view/scenery, a common term for city lights at night.
景気 (keiki) — This refers to "business conditions" or "the economy." It's a key term for discussing economic health and is often heard in news and business contexts.
景気が良い (keiki ga yoi) — the economy is good
不景気 (fukeiki) — recession, economic slump
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kanji 景 does not have a commonly used standalone Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading). However, it is famously part of the compound 景色 (けしき). Although 景色 is formed from two kanji, its entire reading けしき is often considered a jukujikun (熟字訓), meaning a native Japanese reading applied to the entire compound rather than its individual kanji.
This makes 景色 feel like a distinctly "Japanese" way to refer to scenery, even though its components are read with On'yomi if taken separately (景 as ケイ, 色 as シキ or ショク).
景色 (keshiki) — As mentioned above, this means "scenery," "view," or "sight." It's a very common everyday word used to describe the visual environment around us.
美しい景色 (utsukushii keshiki) — beautiful scenery
山の景色 (yama no keshiki) — mountain scenery
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 景 combines with various other characters, creating a diverse vocabulary that describes everything from natural beauty to economic situations. These compounds showcase how 景 conveys different nuances of "view," "scene," and "condition."
Describing Scenery and Views:
- 風景 (fūkei) — Scenery; landscape. This term often refers to a broad, general view, especially a natural one, and can suggest spaciousness.
- 景色 (keshiki) — View; scenery; sight. Similar to 風景, but often more specific to what one sees from a certain point or through a frame.
- 夜景 (yakei) — Night view. Specifically refers to the captivating view of city lights or illuminated landscapes at night.
- 絶景 (zekkei) — Superb view; breathtaking scenery. Used for truly stunning, awe-inspiring sights.
- 景観 (keikan) — Scenic beauty; view; landscape. Often used in discussions about preserving or maintaining the visual quality of an area.
- 借景 (shakkei) — Borrowed scenery. A traditional Japanese gardening technique where distant landscape features are artfully incorporated into the composition of a garden, making them appear part of the design.
Relating to Economic Conditions:
- 景気 (keiki) — Business conditions; the economy. A key term in economic discussions, often used to describe the overall health of the market.
- 好景気 (kōkeiki) — Economic boom; prosperity. Indicates a healthy and thriving economy with strong growth.
- 不景気 (fukeiki) — Recession; economic slump. Indicates a struggling economy with slow or negative growth.
- 景気回復 (keiki kaifuku) — Economic recovery. The process of an economy improving after a downturn or recession.
Other Contexts:
- 光景 (kōkei) — Spectacle; scene; sight. Refers to a particular scene or situation observed, often one that captures attention or is noteworthy.
- 情景 (jōkei) — Scene; sight; spectacle; emotional scene. Often implies a scene that evokes emotion or is part of a narrative or story.
- 景品 (keihin) — Prize; giveaway; premium. Refers to items given as prizes or promotional gifts. The '景' here originally carried a sense of good fortune or prospects, so it can be thought of as a 'prize for good fortune.'
- 前景 (zenkei) — Foreground. The foreground in art, photography, or even strategic discussions, referring to the part of a scene nearest to the viewer or the immediate focus.
Example Sentences
山頂からの景色は素晴らしかった。
Sanchō kara no keshiki wa subarashikatta.
The view from the mountaintop was magnificent.
この町は歴史的な風景が多く残っている。
Kono machi wa rekishiteki na fūkei ga ooku nokotte iru.
Many historical landscapes remain in this town.
最近、日本の景気は少しずつ回復している。
Saikin, Nihon no keiki wa sukoshi zutsu kaifuku shite iru.
Recently, Japan's economy has been gradually recovering.
窓から見える夜景がとてもきれいだ。
Mado kara mieru yakei ga totemo kirei da.
The night view visible from the window is very beautiful.
写真に撮った景観はまるで絵画のようだった。
Shashin ni totta keikan wa marude kaiga no yō datta.
The scenery captured in the photo was like a painting.
好景気の時は皆が笑顔になる。
Kōkeiki no toki wa mina ga egao ni naru.
Everyone smiles during times of economic prosperity.
彼は絵を描くために、新しい景勝地を探している。
Kare wa e o kaku tame ni, atarashii keishōchi o sagashite iru.
He is looking for new scenic spots to paint pictures.
人生には様々な光景があるものだ。
Jinsei ni wa samazamana kōkei ga aru mono da.
Life has various scenes/spectacles.
映画の終盤、感動的な情景が描かれた。
Eiga no shūban, kandōteki na jōkei ga egakareta.
Towards the end of the movie, a moving scene was depicted.
Memory Tip
To remember 景, meaning 'scenery' or 'view,' break it down into its components and imagine a simple story. The upper part, resembling 京 (capital or prominent structure), represents something grand like a tall building or a magnificent sight. Below it is 日 (ひ), the sun.
Imagine the sun (日) shining brightly on a grand, prominent structure or a vast landscape (represented by 京). This vivid image of the sun illuminating a grand scene will help you recall its core meanings of scenery and view.