Kanji Breakdown: 凝
Core Meaning: To congeal, solidify; concentrate; be absorbed in; stylish
Reading: ギョウ (gyō)
Structure Analysis:
冫 (ice): freezing/cold
疑 (doubt): phonetic component
Character depicts "freezing into solid form" - physical and mental fixation.
Essential Vocabulary & Usage
1. 凝る (こる・kōru) - Be absorbed in; stylish; stiffen
"He's passionate about photography."
彼は写真に凝っている。
2. 凝視 (ぎょうし・gyōshi) - Stare intently
"She stared intently at the painting."
彼女は絵を凝視した。
3. 凝縮 (ぎょうしゅく・gyōshuku) - Condensation, concentration
"This book condenses years of research."
この本は研究の成果を凝縮している。
4. 凝り性 (こりしょう・korishō) - Perfectionist tendency
"She's a perfectionist about everything."
彼女は何でも凝り性だ。
Key Insight
凝 represents intense focus and solidification - whether physical (congealing), mental (concentration), or stylistic (refinement). It describes both positive dedication (hobbies, craftsmanship) and negative conditions (muscle stiffness). The character uniquely bridges physical states and psychological intensity.
*Stroke Order: 16 strokes - write 冫 first, then 疑 component.*