1. Kanji Breakdown: 靜 (Traditional) / 静 (Simplified)
This kanji represents a highly valued state in Japanese culture—one of calmness and tranquility.
Meaning: Quiet, calm, still, peaceful.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): セイ (sei), ジョウ (jou)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): しず（か） (shizu(ka))
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (青): This means "blue" or "green," but also carries a nuance of "clear," "pure," and "serene." It provides both meaning and the sound ("sei").
Right (争): This means "to dispute," "to contend," or "to fight."
The elegant and profound meaning is "the state where contention has become clear/calm" or "a serene resolution of conflict." It depicts the peace that comes after a struggle, making it a very deep form of quiet.
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "静" has 14 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 14
Start with the left radical "青":
Then, write the right part "争":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left part "青" and the right part "争" should be of roughly similar width.
Pay attention to the balance. The final vertical hook (stroke 14) of "争" should anchor the character firmly.
The character should feel balanced and, appropriately, calm and stable.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "静" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
静か (しずか, shizuka)
Meaning: Quiet, peaceful, calm (adjective).
Example: 図書館では静かにしてください。
Romaji: Toshokan de wa shizuka ni shite kudasai.
English: Please be quiet in the library.
安静 (あんせい, ansei)
Meaning: Rest, repose (medical term); to stay quiet and still.
Example: 医者から安静にするように言われた。
Romaji: Isha kara ansei ni suru yō ni iwareta.
English: The doctor told me to rest.
静止 (せいし, seishi)
Meaning: Stillness, stationary state, at a standstill.
Example: その車は一時静止した後、走り去った。
Romaji: Sono kuruma wa ichiji seishi shita ato, hashirisatta.
English: The car came to a momentary stop and then drove away.
静寂 (せいじゃく, seijaku)
Meaning: Silence, stillness, tranquility (a more literary and profound word than 静か).
Example: 山の中の静寂に包まれた。
Romaji: Yama no naka no seijaku ni tsutsumareta.
English: I was enveloped in the silence of the mountains.
平静 (へいせい, heisei)
Meaning: Calm, composure, serenity (of one's mind or emotions).
Example: 彼はどんな時でも平静を保つ。
Romaji: Kare wa donna toki demo heisei o tamotsu.
English: He maintains his composure no matter the situation.
静観 (せいかん, seikan)
Meaning: Watchful waiting, observing calmly without intervening.
Example: 状況を静観することにした。
Romaji: Jōkyō o seikan suru koto ni shita.
English: I decided to watch the situation calmly.
Summary
Kanji: 静
Core Meaning: Quiet, Calm, Peaceful, Still. It represents a deep, serene tranquility.
Readings: On'yomi セイ (sei), Kun'yomi しずか (shizuka)
Stroke Order: 14 strokes. Remember it's composed of 青 (left - clear/blue) and 争 (right - dispute). Practice writing it step-by-step to master its calm and balanced form.
This kanji is essential for describing environments, atmospheres, and states of mind. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to accurately express a wide range of tranquil and serene concepts in Japanese.