凛
cold, strict, severe
Readings
On'yomi
- リン
Kun'yomi
- きびし.い
Meaning
凛 centers on a sharp, penetrating quality that can be physical cold or a stern, severe demeanor. The meanings 'cold', 'strict', and 'severe' all share this sense of an intense, bracing edge.
Most common words using 凛
- 凛りん
cold; frigid; bracing
- 凛々しいりりしいN1
gallant; manly; brave; imposing; awe-inspiring; chivalrous; dignified
- 凛々りんりん
severe; intense; awe-inspiring; commanding
- 凛乎りんこ
commanding; awe-inspiring
- 凛冽りんれつ
biting (cold); severe; intense; piercing
- 凛然りんぜん
commanding; awe-inspiring
- 勇気凛凛ゆうきりんりん
full of spirit; brimming with courage; high-spirited; mettlesome
- 威風凛々いふうりんりん
awe-inspiring; majestic; commanding; stately; with an imposing air; in a stately (dignified) manner
- 寒気凛々かんきりんりん
it (the weather) being piercing (bitterly) cold
Study
Etymology
凛 combines the ice radical 冫 with 禀, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of something imposing or severe. The exact historical development of the right side is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The ice radical 冫 on the left suggests coldness. The right side 禀 looks like a stern, imposing figure standing tall. Together, they create the image of a severe, icy presence.
Reading mnemonic
For リン, imagine a strict teacher named Lynn who gives you a cold, severe look: Lynn -> リン, and her icy stare makes the room feel cold.