濫
excessive, overflow, spread out
Readings
On'yomi
- ラン
Kun'yomi
- みだ.りに
- みだ.りがましい
Meaning
濫 centers on water going beyond its proper limits: overflowing, spreading out uncontrollably, or becoming excessive. The idea of excess applies naturally to both physical overflow and abstract overindulgence.
Most common words using 濫
- 氾濫はんらんN2
overflowing; flood; inundation; deluge
- 濫造らんぞう
overproduction; careless manufacture; churning out (substandard goods)
- 内水氾濫ないすいはんらん
flooding within the confines of a levee (i.e. caused by surface runoff, drainage failure, etc.)
- 外水氾濫がいすいはんらん
flooding caused by overflowing of rivers (e.g. breaching levee banks)
- 権利濫用けんりらんよう
abuse of rights; improper use of a privilege
- 氾濫原はんらんげん
flood plain
- 河川氾濫かせんはんらん
flooding caused by overflowing of rivers (e.g. breaching levee banks)
- 濫りがましいみだりがましい
morally corrupt
- 濫りがわしいみだりがわしい
morally corrupt; slovenly; obscene
- 濫觴らんしょう
source; beginning; origin
- 濫訴らんそ
excessive or unreasonable legal action; vexatious litigation
- 粗製濫造そせいらんぞう
mass production of inferior goods
Study
Etymology
濫 combines 氵 (water) with 監, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of looking or overseeing. The compound suggests water that is not contained, as if it has overflowed its bounds while being watched.
Meaning mnemonic
Water 氵 is being watched 監, but it overflows anyway. Picture a dam inspector watching helplessly as water spreads out beyond control.
Reading mnemonic
For ラン, imagine a LAN party where too many people show up and the room overflows with gamers: LAN -> ラン, and the crowd spreads out excessively.