図

• Reading: ず
• Romaji: zu
• Kanji breakdown: 図 (zu/to) — figure, drawing, plan
• Pronunciation: /zɯ/

Meaning

Figure; drawing; diagram; illustration. A visual representation of information.

A noun used for visual representations such as diagrams, maps, charts, and illustrations. Appears in many common compounds: 地図 (map), 図書館 (library), 図形 (geometric shape), and 設計図 (blueprint). As a suffix, it indicates a specific type of drawing or plan.

Examples

1. この図を見てください。 Please look at this diagram.
2. 教科書の図がわかりやすかった。 The illustrations in the textbook were easy to understand.
3. 設計図を描くのに時間がかかった。 It took a long time to draw the blueprint.

Usage Guide

Context: education, science, design

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 図 is a simplified form of the traditional 圖, which depicted an enclosure containing a picture. Originally referred to maps and plans in ancient China.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal