満ちる

• Reading: みちる
• Romaji: michiru
• Kanji breakdown: 満 (man/mi) — full, fulfill, satisfy
• Pronunciation: /mi.tɕi.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To be full; to rise (tide); to mature. Describes reaching fullness or completion.

A Group 2 (ichidan) verb. An intransitive verb used for the moon becoming full (月が満ちる), tides rising (潮が満ちる), and time being fulfilled (期限が満ちる). Has a literary, elevated quality. The related adjective is 満ちた (full, complete). Often appears in poetic or formal writing.

Examples

1. 今夜は月が満ちて丸く輝いている。 Tonight the moon is full and shining brightly.
2. 潮が満ちてきたので砂浜から離れた。 The tide came in, so we moved away from the beach.
3. 彼女の顔は自信に満ちていた。 Her face was filled with confidence.

Usage Guide

Context: nature, literature, emotions

Tone: poetic

Origin & History

The kanji 満 combines 氵 (water radical) and a phonetic component. Water filling a vessel to the brim — the image of reaching capacity.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal