1. Kanji Breakdown: 陰
This kanji represents a concept of duality, often associated with the hidden, passive, and shadowy aspects of nature and philosophy.
Meaning: Shade, shadow, Yin (in Yin-Yang), behind the scenes, negative (as in photography), hidden, gloom.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): イン (in)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): かげ (kage), かげ（る） (kage(ru))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (阝 - 阜): This is the "mound" or "hill" radical (こざとへん), which relates to terrain and elevation.
Right (侌): This is a phonetic component that also carries the meaning of "cloudy" or "overcast."
Thus, the original imagery is of "the shady side of a hill," which perfectly captures its core meaning of something hidden from the sun (or light), and by extension, hidden from view.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "陰" has 11 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 11
Start with the left radical "阝" (mound radical):
Then, write the right part "侌":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "阝" is narrow.
The right part "侌" is complex. Break it down into the top part (今) and the bottom part (云).
Pay attention to the balance. The character should feel stable and grounded.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "陰" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
陰 (かげ, kage)
Meaning: Shadow, shade, behind something.
Example: 暑いので木の陰で休んだ。
Romaji: Atsui node ki no kage de yasunda.
English: Because it was hot, I rested in the shade of a tree.
陰陽 (いんよう, in'yō)
Meaning: Yin and Yang; the two opposing cosmic forces.
Example: 陰陽のバランスが大切だ。
Romaji: In'yō no baransu ga taisetsu da.
English: The balance of Yin and Yang is important.
日陰 (ひかげ, hikage)
Meaning: Shade, shadow (specifically out of sunlight).
Example: この植物は日陰を好みます。
Romaji: Kono shokubutsu wa hikage o konomimasu.
English: This plant prefers the shade.
陰気 (いんき, inki)
Meaning: Gloomy, dismal, melancholy (atmosphere or personality).
Example: 彼の陰気な性格は周りに影響する。
Romaji: Kare no inki na seikaku wa mawari ni eikyō suru.
English: His gloomy personality affects those around him.
陰で (かげで, kage de)
Meaning: Behind the scenes, in the background, secretly.
Example: 彼は陰でみんなを支えている。
Romaji: Kare wa kage de minna o sasaete iru.
English: He supports everyone behind the scenes.
Summary
Kanji: 陰
Core Meaning: Shade, Shadow, Yin, Hidden. It represents the passive, receptive, and unseen aspects of the world.
Readings: On'yomi イン (in), Kun'yomi かげ (kage)
Stroke Order: 11 strokes. Remember it's composed of 阝 (left - mound) and 侌 (right - cloudy/shady).
This kanji is essential for understanding the philosophical concept of Yin-Yang and for describing the physical and metaphorical "shadows" in life. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this profound character.