1. Kanji Analysis: 瑠 (RU)
Meaning:
The kanji 瑠 has a beautiful and specific meaning. Its core meaning is "lapis lazuli," a deep blue semi-precious stone highly valued since ancient times. The character is almost exclusively used for its aesthetic and phonetic value, evoking the stone's color, beauty, and value.
Composition:
Radical: 王 (おう, ō) - The "king" radical. When used on the left side (as 𤣩), it is the "jade" radical, relating to precious stones, jewels, and fine things.
Phonetic Component: 留 (RU) - This component provides the sound ("ru"). 留 itself means "to stay" or "to detain," but in this context, it functions purely phonetically.
The combination creates a character that signifies a precious, jade-like stone, specifically the revered lapis lazuli.
2. Common Usages and Examples
This kanji is primarily used in names and a few specific words, all related to the lapis lazuli stone or its distinctive color.
Common Compound Words and Names:
瑠璃 (ruri): Lapis lazuli. This is the definitive word for the stone and the most important compound for this kanji. It can also refer to a beautiful, translucent blue color.
瑠璃色 (ruriiro): Lapis lazuli color; a rich, deep blue.
青瑠璃 (aoruri): Another term for the deep blue color of lapis.
Phonics (Ruri, Ruko, Maru): A very popular kanji in female names, conveying beauty, rarity, and value.
Example Sentences:
彼女の瞳は瑠璃のように青く輝いていた。
(Kanojo no hitomi wa ruri no yō ni aku kagayaite ita.)
"Her eyes shone a deep blue, like lapis lazuli."この古代の宝石は瑠璃でできている。
(Kono kodai no hōseki wa ruri de dekite iru.)
"This ancient jewel is made of lapis lazuli."「瑠璃」という名前は美しい響きがある。
("Ruri" to iu namae wa utsukushii hibiki ga aru.)
"The name 'Ruri' has a beautiful ring to it."
3. "瑠" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Cautions
As a tattoo, "瑠" is an elegant, positive, and popular choice, especially in names. Its symbolism is almost universally positive.
Potential Positive Meanings:
Unique Beauty and Value: Like the precious lapis lazuli stone, this kanji symbolizes rarity, exquisite beauty, and inherent value. It can be a declaration of self-worth and uniqueness.
Truth and Wisdom: In Buddhist traditions, lapis lazuli (瑠璃) is a sacred stone associated with the Buddha of Medicine and represents inner peace, spiritual insight, and the pursuit of truth.
Clarity and Depth: The deep, clear blue of the stone symbolizes clarity of mind, depth of character, serenity, and wisdom.
A Name Tribute: The most common and powerful reason for this tattoo is to represent a name—either the wearer's own or that of a loved one (e.g., a daughter or partner named Ruri).
Aesthetic Appeal: The character is visually balanced and complex (14 strokes), making it an artistically interesting choice.
Potential Cautions and Considerations:
Lack of Standalone Meaning: This is the most important nuance. "瑠" has no independent meaning on its own. To a Japanese person, it is unmistakably a fragment of the word "ruri" (瑠璃). A standalone "瑠" tattoo might be seen as incomplete, like tattooing "dia" instead of "diamond."
Potential for Confusion: Without context, some might struggle to understand its intent. Is it a name? Is it meant to symbolize the stone? The meaning, while positive, is not self-evident from the single character.
Feminine Connotation: While not a strict rule, the character carries a very strong feminine vibe due to its overwhelming use in female names and its association with beauty and precious stones.
4. Final Verdict and Recommendation
"瑠" is a highly recommended tattoo choice, but its primary purpose is to be part of a name or the compound word 瑠璃 (ruri).
Who might this tattoo be for?
Someone whose name, or a loved one's name, contains "瑠" (e.g., Ruri, Ruko, Maru).
A person who appreciates the deep symbolism of lapis lazuli—truth, wisdom, and serene beauty.
Someone looking for a tattoo that symbolizes rarity, value, and inner clarity.
Strong Recommendations:
Use it in a Compound Word (Ideal): The most powerful and clear way to use this kanji is in the word 瑠璃 (Ruri). This gives the character a complete, profound, and unambiguous meaning.
As a Representation of a Name: If it represents a name, it is a perfect and deeply personal choice.
If Using it Alone: If you choose the single character, understand and accept that its meaning is abstract—it evokes the concepts of preciousness and beauty from "ruri," but is not a direct word itself. Be prepared to explain this nuance.
In summary:
Compared to many other kanji, "瑠" is one of the most positive and aesthetically driven choices. When used intentionally—either as part of a name or the full word 瑠璃—it becomes an elegant and deeply meaningful symbol of beauty, wisdom, and spiritual value. It is highly recommended for these contexts.