1. Kanji Breakdown: 洋
This kanji represents a vast, expansive concept and is central to describing cultural and geographical distinctions.
Meaning: Ocean, Western style, foreign (particularly Western), expansive.
Reading:
Onyomi (Sino-Japanese reading): ヨウ (you)
Kunyomi (Native Japanese reading): None in common modern use.
The kanji is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). It consists of two parts:
Left (氵): This is the "water" radical (さんずい).
Right (羊): This means "sheep," and here it primarily provides the sound ("you").
The original meaning is "ocean," derived from the idea of a "vast body of water." The character 羊 (sheep) was chosen for its sound, not its meaning. In Japanese, this meaning expanded significantly during the Meiji period to refer to things coming from across the ocean—specifically, from the West (Europe and America). This is why "洋" now predominantly means "Western-style."
2. Stroke Order and Writing
Learning the correct stroke order is crucial for balanced and beautiful kanji. "洋" has 9 strokes.
Here is the stroke order diagram and explanation:
Total Strokes: 9
Start with the left radical "氵" (water radical):
Then, write the right part "羊":
Key Writing Tips:
Write from left to right, top to bottom.
The left radical "氵" is narrow. The three dots should not be aligned vertically.
The right part "羊" is wider. Pay attention to the three horizontal strokes; the bottom one is the longest, providing a stable base.
The overall character should feel balanced and fluid.
3. Vocabulary and Example Sentences
Here are some common words using "洋" and how to use them in sentences.
Vocabulary
洋服 (ようふく, youfuku)
Meaning: Western-style clothing.
Example: 私は普段洋服を着ています。
Romaji: Watashi wa fudan youfuku o kite imasu.
English: I usually wear Western clothes.
太平洋 (たいへいよう, taiheiyou)
Meaning: Pacific Ocean.
Example: 太平洋は世界で一番大きい海です。
Romaji: Taiheiyou wa sekai de ichiban ookii umi desu.
English: The Pacific Ocean is the largest ocean in the world.
西洋 (せいよう, seiyou)
Meaning: The West, Western countries.
例文: 西洋の文化に興味があります。
Romaji: Seiyou no bunka ni kyoumi ga arimasu.
English: I am interested in Western culture.
和洋折衷 (わようせっちゅう, wayousecchuu)
Meaning: A blend of Japanese and Western styles.
Example: この家の内装は和洋折衷です。
Romaji: Kono ie no naisou wa wayousecchuu desu.
English: The interior of this house is a blend of Japanese and Western styles.
洋室 (ようしつ, youshitsu)
Meaning: Western-style room (with chairs and beds, as opposed to a tatami room).
Example: 我が家には洋室が二部屋あります。
Romaji: Wagaya ni wa youshitsu ga ni heya arimasu.
English: There are two Western-style rooms in my house.
洋食 (ようしょく, youshoku)
Meaning: Western-style food.
Example: 今日の夕飯は洋食にしよう。
Romaji: Kyou no yuuhan wa youshoku ni shiyou.
English: Let's have Western food for dinner tonight.
Summary
Kanji: 洋
Core Meaning: Ocean; Western-style, Foreign.
Readings: On'yomi ヨウ (you)
Stroke Order: 9 strokes. Remember it's composed of 氵 (water) and 羊 (sheep - phonetic).
This kanji is absolutely essential for discussing geography, culture, and everyday life in modern Japan, where the distinction between traditional Japanese (和, wa) and Western (洋, you) styles is very common. By mastering its stroke order and vocabulary, you will be able to correctly write and use this fundamental character.