η”±

JLPT N3

Reason, origin

Readings

On’yomi: ユ, ユウ (yu, yΕ«)
Kun’yomi: γ‚ˆγ— (yoshi)
β€’ γ‚ˆγ— – reason, cause, significance, grounds

Vocabulary

理由
γ‚Šγ‚†γ†
reason
θ‡ͺη”±
γ˜γ‚†γ†
freedom
η”±ζ₯
ゆらい
origin
η΅Œη”±
けいゆ
via
不由
ちゆ
inconvenience

Example Sentences

理由をθͺ¬ζ˜Žγ—ます。
γ‚Šγ‚†γ† γ‚’ せ぀めい します。
I explain the reason.
θ‡ͺη”±γŒε₯½γγ§γ™γ€‚
γ˜γ‚†γ† が すき です。
I like freedom.
η”±ζ₯γ‚’ηŸ₯γ‚ŠγΎγ™γ€‚
ゆらい γ‚’ γ—γ‚ŠγΎγ™γ€‚
I know the origin.
ι§…γ‚’η΅Œη”±γ—γΎγ™γ€‚
えき γ‚’ けいゆ します。
I go via the station.
不由です。
ちゆ です。
It is inconvenient.

Cultural Note

🌸 η”± embodies a deep concept in Japanese culture β€” the origin or underlying reason (ゆらい / 理由) behind things.
β€’ It appears in θ‡ͺη”± (γ˜γ‚†γ†), meaning freedom, where the concept implies acting according to one’s own origin or reason.
β€’ The expression η”±η·’ (ゆいしょ) means ancestry or historical origin, reflecting how Japanese people value roots and history.
β€’ In classical language, η”± (γ‚ˆγ—) was used elegantly to mean reason, story, or connection, often appearing in poems and formal writings.
Thus, η”± connects past and present, cause and effect, symbolizing the Japanese appreciation of origins, authenticity, and purpose.