量

• Reading: りょう
• Romaji: ryou
• Kanji breakdown: 量 (ryou) — quantity, amount, measure
• Pronunciation: /ɾʲoː/

Meaning

Quantity; amount; volume. The measure of how much of something there is.

A noun and suffix indicating amount, quantity, or volume. Extremely versatile in compounds: 量が多い/少ない (large/small quantity), 大量 (tairyou, large quantity), 少量 (shouryou, small quantity), 分量 (bunryou, amount/dosage), 雨量 (uuryou, rainfall). Used in both everyday and scientific contexts.

Examples

1. この料理は量が多くて食べきれなかった。 This dish had such a large portion that I couldn't finish it.
2. 薬は決められた量を守ってください。 Please take the prescribed amount of medicine.
3. 最近、ゴミの量を減らすようにしている。 Lately, I've been trying to reduce the amount of trash I produce.

Usage Guide

Context: cooking, science, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 量 originally depicted grain being weighed on a balance, representing the concept of measuring. Extended from measuring weight to measuring any quantity, amount, or capacity.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal