polish, study of, sharpen
研 centers on refining something through effort: polishing a surface, sharpening a blade, or studying a subject deeply to improve understanding.
研 combines 石 (stone) with 开, which is thought to be a simplified form of 幵 (two hands holding a pestle). Together they suggest grinding or polishing with a stone tool.
A stone 石 on the left and a pestle-like shape 开 on the right: imagine using a stone to polish and sharpen a tool, or grinding away at a subject until it becomes clear.
For ケン, picture a keen scholar named Ken polishing a stone tablet: Ken -> ケン, and his keen mind sharpens through study.
research; study; investigation
research institute; (research) laboratory
training (esp. in-service); induction course
grinding; polishing
trainee
institute for general research; multidiscipline laboratory
Gakken (publisher)
Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (abbr)
diligent study; devoting oneself to one's studies
polish; grinding; sharpening
technical research institute; technology research laboratory
forensic researcher; crime scene investigator
Institute of Physical and Chemical Research
grinding
to sharpen; to hone; to whet; to grind
society for the study of manga
druggist's mortar
to sharpen; to grind; to whet; to hone; to make keen
cancer research
Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research; JFCR