界
world · boundary
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
field + 介
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of field (田) and mediate (介). Boundary dividing fields.
Symbolism
World, boundary, domain. Represents scope in 'industry' and 'limit'.
Spiritual Meaning
Indicates realms of existence like Buddhism's "Three Worlds" and "Six Paths." "Realm of enlightenment" represents stages of spiritual achievement.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
三千世界
さんぜんせかい
the whole universe (of a billion worlds) that Buddha enlightened; the whole wide world; the whole universe (of a billion worlds) that Buddha enlightened
三界流転
さんがいるてん
endless cycle of rebirth through the three worlds of past, present, and future existences; endless cycle of rebirth through the three worlds of past, present, and future existences
法界悋気
ほうかいりんき
being jealous of things that have nothing to do with one; being jealous of others who are in love with each other; being jealous of things that have nothing to do with one
Proverbs & Idioms
世界は広いようで狭い
せかいはひろいようでせまい
The world is smaller than it seems
It's a small world; you meet acquaintances in unexpected places