率
ratio, rate, proportion, %, factor, lead, spearhead, command
Readings
On'yomi
- ソツ
- リツ
- シュツ
Kun'yomi
- ひき.いる
Meaning
率 has two main conceptual centers. One is about a mathematical relationship: a ratio, rate, proportion, or percentage. The other is about taking charge: leading, spearheading, or commanding a group.
Most common words using 率
24 of 398- 率りつN2
rate; ratio; proportion; percentage
- 確率かくりつN3
probability; likelihood; chances
- 効率こうりつN2
efficiency
- 比率ひりつN1
ratio; proportion; percentage
- 率いるひきいるN1
to lead; to spearhead (a group); to command (troops)
- 倍率ばいりつN1
magnification; leverage; amplification; scaling factor; scale factor
- 勝率しょうりつ
winning percentage
- 率直そっちょくN2
frank; candid; straightforward; openhearted; direct; outspoken
- 税率ぜいりつ
tariff
- 打率だりつ
batting average
- 軽率けいそつN1
rash; thoughtless; careless; hasty; imprudent
- 率先そっせんN1
taking the initiative
- 能率のうりつN2
efficiency
- 同率どうりつ
the same ratio or percentage
- 利率りりつN1
interest rate
- 年率ねんりつ
annual rate (of interest)
- 高率こうりつ
high rate
- 定率ていりつ
fixed rate
- 視聴率しちょうりつN1
ratings (e.g. of a television program); audience rating; viewing rate
- 伸び率のびりつ
growth rate
- 効率的こうりつてきN2
efficient
- 死亡率しぼうりつ
death rate; mortality rate
- 経済成長率けいざいせいちょうりつ
rate of economic growth
- 稼働率かどうりつ
operating rate; utilization rate; occupancy rate; availability factor
Study
Etymology
率 originally depicted a rope or net used for pulling or leading, which gave rise to the 'lead' meaning. The 'ratio' sense is a later semantic extension, possibly from the idea of a standard or measure.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part looks like a lid or cover, and the lower part resembles a cross with extra lines. Imagine a leader holding a standard (the cross-like shape) to set the rate for the group.
Reading mnemonic
For ソツ, picture a leader giving a short, sharp command: 'Sots!' — like a quick, decisive order. The sound 'sots' cues ソツ while the leader takes charge.