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JLPT N36画 · 6 strokesradical 毛freq #1787

slight, micro, subtle

On'yomi (音読み)

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • ほそ.い
  • ささ.やか

Mnemonic

A tiny sliver of hair (毛) splits into two (二), showing how slight and subtle things can be.

About this kanji

The kanji 微 primarily means slight or subtle, and it is often used in contexts that describe something very small or delicate. It can be used as both a noun and an adjective. For instance, the compound 微妙 (びみょう) means subtle or delicate, often used for something that is not easily defined. Another common compound is 微生物 (びせいぶつ), which refers to microorganisms, highlighting the tiny size of these living organisms. Additionally, 微小 (びしょう) means microscopic, emphasizing something too small to see with the naked eye. A useful point to remember is that 微 often conveys a sense of something being minimal or finely detailed.

Built from

Example sentences

  • 微細な変化を観察する。

    Observe subtle changes.

Meanings across languages

English
slight, micro, subtle
Tiếng Việt
nhỏ, mảnh, tinh tế
日本語
微細, 微妙
한국어
미세한
中文
轻微
id
ringan
th
เล็กน้อย
es
ligero
fr
léger
de
leicht
pt
sutil

Common compounds

  • 微妙びみょうsubtle, slight, delicate
  • 微生物びせいぶつmicroorganism
  • 微小びしょうmicroscopic, minute
  • 微風びふうlight breeze

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