refined, ghost, fairy, energy, vitality, semen, excellence, purity, skill
精 centers on the idea of something being refined to its purest, most essential form. This core of purity and excellence extends naturally to concentrated energy, vitality, and even spiritual essences like ghosts or fairies, as well as the refined skill of a master.
精 combines 米 (rice) with 青, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of purity or essence. The character originally referred to polished, pure rice, and from there extended to refined essence, energy, and spirit.
Rice (米) that is as clear and pure as the blue (青) sky has been refined to its essence. This pure, refined rice represents the core idea of 精: something concentrated and excellent, like pure energy or a master's skill.
For セイ, imagine a master chef saying 'say' (セイ) as he presents a bowl of perfectly refined, pure white rice: 'Say' -> セイ, the essence of his skill.
mind; spirit; soul; heart; ethos
fairy; sprite; elf
ejaculation
sperm; spermatozoon
precision; accuracy
spirit; sprite; nymph
the best one can do; one's best effort
at the most; at best
precise; exact; detailed; accurate; minute; close
semen; seminal fluid; sperm
energy; vigor; vigour; vitality
being well versed (in); being well acquainted (with); being familiar (with); having a thorough knowledge (of); being an authority (on)
refining; purification
concentration; diligence; devotion
elite; best; pick; cream of the crop
exact calculation; squaring of accounts; adjustment
fertilization; fertilisation; impregnation; pollination; insemination
elaborate; delicate; exquisite
rice polishing; polished rice
fertilized egg; fertilised egg
indolence; laziness; sloth
careful selection
brilliance; luster; lustre; colorfulness; colourfulness
working earnestly; sincerity; diligence; effort; pains