Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Derives from an oil vessel shape, representing origin or basis of things. A fundamental character appearing in 'reason' (理由) and 'freedom' (自由).
Symbolism
Symbolizes origin, foundation, and freedom. Represents the essence, starting point, and liberty of choice in fundamental concepts.
Words & Expressions
Words written with 由
Four-Character Compounds
自由自在
じゆうじざい
free; unrestricted; (with) complete mastery
自由貿易
じゆうぼうえき
free trade
自由放任
じゆうほうにん
laissez-faire; non-intervention
自由奔放
じゆうほんぽう
free and uncontrolled; behaving with abandon; freewheeling
自由闊達
じゆうかったつ
free and easy; open and natural; not fastidious
Poetry
由良のとを 渡る舟人 かぢを絶え ゆくへも知らぬ 恋の道かな
Like a boatman crossing the Strait of Yura who has lost his oar — this path of love, with no knowing where it leads.
Anime & Manga
ループ7回目の悪役令嬢は、元敵国で自由気ままな花嫁生活を満喫する
7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!
A well-known work with 由 in its Japanese title.
彼女が公爵邸に行った理由
Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion
A well-known work with 由 in its Japanese title.
劇場版デート・ア・ライブ 万由里ジャッジメント
Date A Live Mayuri Judgement
A well-known work with 由 in its Japanese title.
目覚めたら最強装備と宇宙船持ちだったので、一戸建て目指して傭兵として自由に生きたい
Reborn as a Space Mercenary: I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship!
A well-known work with 由 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
由比光衛
Name contains 由
Yui Mitsue was a general in the Imperial Japanese Army during the First Sino-Japanese War and Russo-Japanese War.
Wikipedia高橋由一
Name contains 由
Takahashi Yuichi was a Japanese painter, noted for his pioneering work in developing the yōga art movement in late 19th-century Japanese…
Wikipedia小川眞由美
Name contains 由
Mayumi Ogawa was a Japanese actress. She won the award for best supporting actress at the 3rd Japan Academy Prize and at the 4th Hochi Film Award for…
WikipediaFrequently Asked Questions
What does 由 mean in Japanese?
由 means wherefore, a reason.
How do you read 由?
On'yomi: ユ、ユウ、ユイ (YU, YUU, YUI). Kun'yomi: よし、よ.る (yoshi, yoru).
How many strokes does 由 have?
由 has 5 strokes. Its radical is 田 (field).
Is 由 a good kanji for a tattoo?
由 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means wherefore, a reason. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.