片鱗

• Reading: へんりん
• Romaji: henrin
• Kanji breakdown: 片 (hen/kata) — fragment, piece, one side; 鱗 (rin/uroko) — scale (of fish)
• Pronunciation: /he.ɴ.ɾi.ɴ/

Meaning

A glimpse; a fragment; a hint of. Describes a small revealing trace that suggests the nature or greatness of something much larger.

Literally 'a single fish scale,' used figuratively to mean a small indication of talent, character, or capability that hints at something far greater lying beneath. Common collocations include 片鱗を見せる (to show a glimpse of) and 片鱗をうかがわせる (to give a hint of). Often used positively, but can also hint at a concealed problem or danger.

Examples

1. 彼はデビュー作ですでに天才の片鱗を見せていた。 He already showed a glimpse of genius in his debut work.
2. 試合でのプレーに、将来の大選手の片鱗が感じられた。 A hint of a future great player could be felt in his performance during the match.
3. 事件の片鱗は半年前の出来事にすでに現れていた。 The seeds of the incident had already appeared in events from six months prior.

Usage Guide

Context: literary, journalism, arts, sport

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

片 means a piece or fragment; 鱗 means a fish scale. A single fish scale suggests the entire fish — hence the extended meaning of a small, revealing glimpse or fragment that points to something much greater or larger.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated