What is the Kanji for 'Spirit' and 'Refine'? | 精

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Spirit' and 'Refine', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Spirit' and 'Refine' is 精.

kanji

精

Meaning

Spirit, Refine

Reading

onyomiしょう

shou

せい

sei

Parts

米Rice 青Blue

Example Word

精々: at most. The Japanese adverb '精々 (せいぜい)' means 'at most' or 'at best'. It is used to indicate the maximum limit or extent of something, often implying that the result or outcome is not particularly impressive or satisfactory. For example: I can only do this much at most「精々これくらいしかできない」(せいぜいこれくらいしかできない). At best, we can expect ten people to attend「精々10人くらいは来るだろう」(せいぜいじゅうにんくらいはくるだろう). This adverb is commonly used in situations where there is a limitation or constraint, and it often carries a tone of resignation or modest expectation.

Radical

米

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

421

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 精

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

kanji

米

Meaning

Rice

kanji

青

Meaning

Blue

Words Using 精

This kanji is used in 3 words:

word

精神

Meaning

Spirit, Mind

word

精

Meaning

Essence, Vitality

word

精々

Meaning

At most

Kanji Related to 精 Through the Part 米

These 18 kanji contain the part 米 as well.

kanji

数

Meaning

Number

kanji

来

Meaning

Come

kanji

番

Meaning

Turn

kanji

奥

Meaning

Core, Heart

kanji

料

Meaning

Materials, Fee

kanji

歯

Meaning

Tooth

kanji

断

Meaning

Decide, Cut off

kanji

継

Meaning

Succeed, Inherit

kanji

粋

Meaning

Refined, Stylish

kanji

迷

Meaning

Perplexed, Astray

kanji

糖

Meaning

Sugar

kanji

粧

Meaning

Cosmetics, Apply makeup

kanji

糧

Meaning

Provisions, Food

kanji

粉

Meaning

Flour, Powder

kanji

粒

Meaning

Grain, Grains

kanji

粘

Meaning

Sticky

kanji

粗

Meaning

Coarse, Rough

kanji

粛

Meaning

Purge, Solemn

Kanji Related to 精 Through the Part 青

These 5 kanji contain the part 青 as well.

kanji

晴

Meaning

Clear

kanji

静

Meaning

Quiet

kanji

情

Meaning

Feeling, Emotion

kanji

請

Meaning

Request

kanji

清

Meaning

Clear, Pure

Learn the Kanji 精

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 精 mean?

精 means 'Spirit' and 'Refine'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fifth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.