Meaning
The kanji 浴 (浴) is commonly found in words related to water, cleanliness, and exposure. Its primary meanings include "bathing," "showering," and "being drenched." More broadly, it also signifies "being exposed to" something, whether it's water, light, or even attention. This versatility makes 浴 a crucial kanji for discussing personal hygiene, leisure activities, and abstract concepts like reception or immersion.
The structure of 浴 visually suggests its core meaning. It is a phono-semantic compound, made up of two main elements. On the left is the radical 氵 (さんずい, sanzui), a common variant of 水 (水), meaning "water." This radical immediately indicates that the kanji's meaning is water-related.
On the right is the component 谷 (谷), which means "valley" or "gorge." While 谷 primarily serves a phonetic function here, contributing its "yoku" or "koku" sound, some interpretations also suggest a semantic link. One way to think of it is a valley as a hollowed-out space where water might collect, or a place suitable for bathing. This imagery reinforces the idea of being immersed. Thus, the kanji visually represents being in water.
This 10-stroke character is a Joyo Kanji, meaning it's designated for common use and taught in the fourth grade of Japanese elementary schools. Its fundamental nature ensures its frequent appearance in daily life.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi, or Chinese-derived readings, of 浴 are typically used when the kanji forms part of a compound word, often alongside other kanji to create more complex nouns or verbs. For 浴, the primary On'yomi is ヨク.
ヨク (yoku): This reading is common in compounds describing various forms of bathing, spaces for bathing, or exposure to elements like light.
入浴 (nyūyoku) — This compound literally means "entering a bath" and refers to the general act of bathing, often in a bathtub or hot spring. You'll frequently hear this term in hotels and public bathhouses.
浴室 (yokushitsu) — Meaning "bathroom" or "bathing room," this word refers to the specific area in a house or building used for washing oneself.
日光浴 (nikkōyoku) — This term translates to "sunbathing," combining "sunlight" (日光) with "bathing" (浴) to describe the act of exposing oneself to the sun's rays.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi, or native Japanese readings, of 浴 are used when the kanji functions as a standalone verb or part of a verb. They are often accompanied by okurigana (送り仮名), which are trailing hiragana characters. For 浴, the main Kun'yomi readings are あび.る and あ.びせる.
あび.る (abiru): This is a transitive verb meaning "to bathe," "to shower," or "to be exposed to." It can also mean "to receive" (light, attention, etc.) and implies that something is falling upon or covering oneself.
シャワーを浴びる (shawā o abiru) — To take a shower; to bathe under a shower.
注目を浴びる (chūmoku o abiru) — To attract attention; to be in the spotlight. For example, a new celebrity might 注目を浴びる.
水を浴びる (mizu o abiru) — To pour water over oneself; to douse oneself with water. This might be done when exercising or cooling down.
あ.びせる (abiseru): This is a transitive verb meaning "to pour over," "to drench," or "to hurl (words/abuse)." It implies directing something onto someone or something else.
水を浴びせる (mizu o abiseru) — To douse someone or something with water. For instance, children might 水を浴びせる each other while playing.
罵声を浴びせる (basei o abiseru) — To hurl insults or abuse at someone. Unfortunately, this can happen at sporting events.
質問を浴びせる (shitsumon o abiseru) — To barrage someone with questions. Journalists often 質問を浴びせる to politicians.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 浴 (浴) forms many useful compounds. You'll find it in daily conversations and specific terminology related to personal care, leisure, and even metaphorical exposure.
Bathing & Personal Hygiene
入浴 (nyūyoku) — The act of bathing, typically in a bathtub or hot spring.
浴室 (yokushitsu) — Bathroom; the room used for washing.
浴槽 (yokusō) — Bathtub; the actual tub used for bathing.
浴衣 (yukata) — A casual summer kimono, traditionally worn after bathing, especially at festivals or ryokan.
シャワーを浴びる (shawā o abiru) — To take a shower.
Exposure to Elements & Nature
日光浴 (nikkōyoku) — Sunbathing; the act of lying in the sun.
海水浴 (kaisuiyoku) — Sea bathing; swimming in the sea, a popular summer activity.
森林浴 (shinrinyoku) — Forest bathing; the therapeutic practice of spending time among trees, also known as 'shinrin-yoku' in English.
月光浴 (gekkōyoku) — Moonbathing; relaxing under the moonlight, often for its calming effect.
Figurative Exposure & Reception
注目を浴びる (chūmoku o abiru) — To attract attention; to be in the spotlight.
恩恵を浴する (onkei o yokusuru) — To receive blessings or favors (formal/literary). For instance, a country might 恩恵を浴する from a trade agreement.
非難を浴びる (hinan o abiru) — To be showered with criticism or blame. A politician might 非難を浴びる after a scandal.
Example Sentences
毎朝、冷たい水を浴びてから仕事に行きます。
Maiasa, tsumetai mizu o abite kara shigoto ni ikimasu.
Every morning, I go to work after showering with cold water.
週末は家族で温泉に入浴しに行きました。
Shūmatsu wa kazoku de onsen ni nyūyoku shi ni ikimashita.
On the weekend, I went with my family to bathe in a hot spring.
夏になったら、海水浴に行きたいですね。
Natsu ni nattara, kaisuiyoku ni ikitai desu ne.
When summer comes, I'd like to go sea bathing, wouldn't you?
新製品は発売直後から大きな注目を浴びました。
Shinseihin wa hatsubaichokugo kara ōkina chūmoku o abimashita.
The new product attracted a lot of attention immediately after its release.
疲れた時は、森林浴で心と体を癒します。
Tsukareta toki wa, shinrinyoku de kokoro to karada o iyashimasu.
When I'm tired, I heal my mind and body with forest bathing.
母は赤ちゃんに優しくお湯を浴びせていました。
Haha wa akachan ni yasashiku oyu o abisete imashita.
My mother was gently pouring warm water over the baby.
朝の柔らかい光を浴びると、とても気持ちがいいです。
Asa no yawarakai hikari o abiru to, totemo kimochi ga ii desu.
When you bask in the soft morning light, it feels really good.
激しい雨に浴びて、全身がずぶ濡れになった。
Hageshii ame ni abite, zenshin ga zubunure ni natta.
Drenched by the heavy rain, my whole body got soaked.
Memory Tip
To remember the kanji 浴 (浴), let's break it down into its components: 氵 (the "water" radical) and 谷 (meaning "valley" or acting phonetically). Imagine taking a refreshing bath in a beautiful, secluded valley where crystal-clear water flows. The 谷 part can also remind you of a "tub" or "hollow" shape, perfectly holding the water for your bath. So, 浴 is essentially "water" + "valley/tub" = "to bathe." Think of "taking a dip in a watery valley" – this vivid image directly links the components to the core meaning of bathing or being immersed in water, making it easier to recall.