1. Kanji Breakdown: 陽
This kanji is the direct counterpart to "陰" (In), representing the positive, active, and bright aspects of the universe in the Yin-Yang philosophy.
Meaning: Sunlight, positivity, Yang (in Yin-Yang), the positive (as in electricity), male principle, overt, surface.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ヨウ (you)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): ひ (hi)
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 (昜): This is a phonetic component that also carries meanings of "to spread out," "sun," and "light."
Thus, the original imagery is of "the sunny side of a hill," which is the perfect opposite of "陰" (the shady side). This captures its core meaning of something bathed in light, open, and positive.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "陽" has 12 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 12
Start with the left radical "阝" (mound radical):
Then, write the right part "昜":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "阝" is narrow.
The right part "昜" is complex. Break it down into the top (日), the middle horizontal stroke, and the bottom part (勿).
Ensure the "日" part at the top is properly proportioned, not too wide.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "陽" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
陽 (よう, you)
Meaning: Yang; positive; the Sun. (Often used in compound words or philosophical contexts).
Example: 陰と陽のバランス。
Romaji: In to You no baransu.
English: The balance of Yin and Yang.
太陽 (たいよう, taiyou)
Meaning: The Sun.
Example: 太陽が東から昇る。
Romaji: Taiyou ga higashi kara noboru.
English: The sun rises from the east.
陽気 (ようき, youki)
Meaning: Cheerful, lively, jovial; also, weather (in an old-fashioned sense).
Example: 彼はいつも陽気でみんなを笑わせる。
Romaji: Kare wa itsumo youki de minna o warawaseru.
English: He is always cheerful and makes everyone laugh.
陽射し (ひざし, hizashi)
Meaning: Sunlight, rays of the sun.
Example: 暖かい陽射しが部屋に差し込んでいる。
Romaji: Atatakai hizashi ga heya ni sashikonde iru.
English: Warm sunlight is streaming into the room.
陽極 (ようきょく, youkyoku)
Meaning: Anode, positive electrode.
Example: 電池の陽極と陰極を確認してください。
Romaji: Denchi no youkyoku to inkyoku o kakunin shite kudasai.
English: Please check the anode and cathode of the battery.
陽性 (ようせい, yousei)
Meaning: Positive (as in a medical test).
Example: 彼の検査結果は陽性だった。
Romaji: Kare no kensa kekka wa yousei datta.
English: His test result came back positive.
Summary
Kanji: 陽
Core Meaning: Sunlight, Positive, Yang, Overt. It represents the active, creative, and visible aspects of the world.
Readings: On'yomi ヨウ (you), Kun'yomi ひ (hi)
Stroke Order: 12 strokes. Remember it's composed of 阝 (left - mound) and 昜 (right - to spread out/sunlight).
Together with "陰", this kanji forms one of the most important philosophical pairs in East Asian thought. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you can deeply understand this concept and accurately describe brightness and positivity in Japanese.