Meaning
The kanji 了 (ryō) is simple in form, yet it conveys a deep sense of finality, completion, and understanding in Japanese. Primarily, 了 signifies "to finish," "to complete," "to end," or "to conclude." More than just stopping, it often implies successfully completing a task or acknowledging that a process has run its course.
Beyond actions, 了 also means "to understand" or "to comprehend." When something is 了, it's not just concluded; it's fully grasped or acknowledged. This dual meaning—completion of both actions and understanding—makes 了 a versatile kanji, frequently encountered in various contexts. It suggests a matter resolved, a project brought to term, or a concept fully internalized.
Historically, 了 is thought to be a simplified pictograph. It may have represented a child or a person with an emphasized head. Over time, it evolved to convey "completion" or "fulfillment," perhaps in the sense of growth reaching its end, or a task being fully attended to.
Its extremely simple, two-stroke form—a downward hook followed by a horizontal line—can be visually interpreted as a swift, decisive motion. This brings something to a close, marking a clear, unmistakable finality. The final stroke, cutting across, symbolizes a definitive endpoint. Its elegance lies in this directness.
With just two strokes, 了 is one of the simplest kanji to write. It's taught in Grade 6 of Japanese elementary school, making it a foundational character for advanced learners.
Readings
To master 了, understanding its readings is essential. Many kanji have multiple On'yomi and Kun'yomi, but 了 is relatively straightforward. In modern Japanese, it primarily features a single common On'yomi reading.
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings that originated from Chinese pronunciations. They are typically used when 了 forms part of a compound word (熟語, jukugo) with other kanji. For 了, the main On'yomi is:
リョウ (ryō): This is the most common and almost exclusive On'yomi for 了. You'll find it in nearly all compound words, conveying meanings of completion, understanding, or ending. Its crisp sound makes it easily recognizable.
完了 (kanryō) — Completion, conclusion, finish. This word is often used for the successful finishing of a task or project, for example,
作業完了(sagyou kanryō - task completion).了解 (ryōkai) — Understanding, acknowledgment, comprehension, "Roger that." A very common phrase used to confirm receipt of information and understanding, often heard as
了解しました(ryōkai shimashita - Understood).終了 (shūryō) — End, termination, closure. Used to mark the end of an event, meeting, or service, such as
会議終了(kaigi shūryō - meeting adjourned).
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings associated with a kanji, often corresponding to an existing Japanese word. While many kanji have common Kun'yomi, 了 stands out for having virtually none in modern Japanese. Consequently, you'll rarely encounter 了 as a standalone verb or adjective with a native Japanese reading.
Some historical texts might feature obscure or archaic Kun'yomi. However, for practical purposes, especially at the JLPT N3 level, remember that 了 is primarily an On'yomi-only kanji.
Common Words & Compounds
When combined with other kanji, 了 forms compound words that clearly illustrate its meanings of completion, ending, and understanding. Here are some common and useful words and phrases, categorized for easier learning:
Words related to Completion and Ending:
完了 (kanryō) — Completion, conclusion, finish. This implies a successful and definitive end to a process or task.
終了 (shūryō) — End, termination, closure. Often used for the official end of an event, meeting, or service period.
修了 (shūryō) — Completion (of a course, program, or training). This specifically refers to finishing an educational or instructional program.
終了時刻 (shūryō jikoku) — End time, completion time. Used to specify when an event or task is scheduled to finish.
未了 (miryō) — Unfinished, incomplete. This term indicates that something is not yet completed or concluded.
終了後 (shūryōgo) — After completion, after the end.
完了通知 (kanryō tsūchi) — Completion notice. A notification indicating that something has been finished.
Words related to Understanding and Acknowledgment:
了解 (ryōkai) — Understanding, acknowledgment, "Roger that." A very common and practical word used in daily communication to confirm understanding.
了知 (ryōchi) — Understanding, comprehension (more formal). Often used in official or administrative contexts to indicate full knowledge of something.
Phrasal Usage:
了とする (ryō to suru) — To deem as complete, to consider understood. Use this phrase when officially accepting something as finished or comprehended.
了得 (ryōtoku) — Understanding, comprehension. A more literary or formal term for grasping a concept.
Learning these compounds will give you a practical grasp of how 了 functions in various real-world Japanese conversations and texts.
Example Sentences
To further your understanding of 了, let's look at how it's used in natural Japanese sentences. These examples range from simple to more complex, demonstrating its versatility.
会議は午後3時に終了しました。
Kaigi wa gogo san-ji ni shūryō shimashita.
The meeting finished at 3 PM.
了解しました。すぐに対応します。
Ryōkai shimashita. Sugu ni taiō shimasu.
Understood. I will respond immediately.
この仕事は明日までに完了する予定です。
Kono shigoto wa ashita made ni kanryō suru yotei desu.
This work is scheduled to be completed by tomorrow.
彼は留学プログラムを無事修了しました。
Kare wa ryūgaku puroguramu o buji shūryō shimashita.
He successfully completed the study abroad program.
詳細を確認し、問題ないと了とします。
Shōsai o kakunin shi, mondai nai to ryō to shimasu.
After confirming the details, I deem that there are no issues.
注文の処理が完了しましたら、メールでご連絡します。
Chūmon no shori ga kanryō shimashitara, mēru de go-renraku shimasu.
Once the order processing is complete, we will contact you by email.
説明を聞いて、状況を正確に了解しました。
Setsumei o kiite, jōkyō o seikaku ni ryōkai shimashita.
After listening to the explanation, I accurately understood the situation.
会議の終了時間は予定より少し遅れました。
Kaigi no shūryō jikan wa yotei yori sukoshi okuremashita.
The meeting's end time was slightly delayed from what was scheduled.
新しい法律の内容を了知することが重要です。
Atarashii hōritsu no naiyō o ryōchi suru koto ga jūyō desu.
It is important to understand the content of the new law.
このプロジェクトは締切までに未了の部分が残っています。
Kono purojekuto wa shimekiri made ni miryō no bubun ga nokotteimasu.
This project still has unfinished parts by the deadline.
Memory Tip
Remembering 了 is straightforward thanks to its minimalist design. A simple visual mnemonic can link its shape to its meaning of "finish" or "complete." Imagine the first, horizontal stroke as the starting line of a task or race. The second, downward-hooking stroke swiftly crosses that line, completing it with a decisive flourish—like a final checkmark, clearly indicating "done."
Alternatively, visualize it as a highly simplified drawing of a person who has finished standing up. The top stroke represents the head/torso, and the bottom hooked stroke represents legs firmly planted, signaling completion or readiness. Its two-stroke simplicity suggests quick and efficient completion.