The Kanji: 析 (Seki / Se-ki)
The kanji 析 means "to analyze," "to divide," or "to clarify." It combines 木 (wood) with 斤 (axe), originally depicting splitting wood with an axe to examine its internal structure. This character represents analytical processes and systematic breakdown.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 分析 (bunseki) - Analysis
データを分析する。
"Analyze the data."
2. 析出 (sekishutsu) - Precipitation
溶液中から結晶が析出する。
"Crystals precipitate from the solution."
3. 析る (se-ki-ru) - To analyze (literary)
原因を析る。
"Analyze the cause."
4. 解析 (kaiseki) - Parsing
文法を解析する。
"Parse the grammar."
In summary, 析 describes analytical processes - from data examination (分析) and scientific separation (析出) to detailed investigation (解析). It's essential for scientific and technical contexts in Japanese.