Translation and Meaning of: 了 - ryou

The Japanese word 「了」 (ryou) is a kanji that has the main meaning of "completed" or "finished." This kanji is frequently used in contexts where it indicates that an action has been completed or that a certain condition has been achieved. In the Japanese language, 「了」 is one of the simplest ways to denote the conclusion of a process, providing an efficient way to convey this idea in written and spoken communication.

In etymology, the kanji 「了」 is formed from visual elements that represent the idea of something coming to an end. Historically, its use can be traced back to older forms of Chinese writing, where it served to clearly communicate the notion of closure or completion. Despite its simplicity, this ideogram plays an important role in the construction of compound words and is common in everyday expressions that deal with the idea of finalization.

Analyzing its application and usage in modern Japanese, the kanji 「了」 is commonly seen together with other kanjis forming compound words, such as 「終了」 (shūryou), which means "end" or "conclusion," and 「了解」 (ryoukai), which means "understanding" or "comprehension," typically used to indicate that an instruction has been received and understood. These words formed from 「了」 expand its impact and applicability, offering nuances that are essential in various communicative situations.

Moreover, 「了」 can appear in more casual situations, such as in text messages, where its simplicity and efficiency help convey a state of clarity and certainty quickly and unambiguously. In terms of language learning, understanding the use and meaning of this kanji can be a useful tool for those looking to master written and spoken communication in Japanese, since its application can be seen in multiple contexts, ranging from business to everyday situations.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

完了 (Kanryou) - Completed, finished.
終了 (Shuuryou) - Closure, completion of something.
済了 (Zairyou) - Completed, resolved.
終わり (Owari) - End, conclusion, conclusion.
終わる (Owaru) - Finish, end.
終える (Oeru) - Finish, conclude something.
終止 (Shuushi) - Stop, interruption (usually in the context of movement or continuity).
終点 (Shuuten) - Period, final destination of a journey.
終末 (Shuumatsu) - Weekend, but it can also mean the end of something important like an era.
終焉 (Shuuen) - End of life, death, meaningful conclusion...
終わった (Owaratta) - It’s over, it ended.
終わっている (Owaratte iru) - It is finished (continuous form of the verb to finish).
終わらせる (Owaraseru) - Cause the end, make something stop.
終わらない (Owaranai) - Do not finish, continue.
終わりにする (Owari ni suru) - Deciding to end, making the end a decision.
終わりの始まり (Owari no hajimari) - The beginning of the end, the transition from one state to another.