166
以
By Means Of, Since, Beyond
JLPT N4
Interesting Fact
The earliest form of 以 is believed to have depicted a farming tool (a plow) rather than the modern-looking character we see today. 🌾 Over time, the character came to represent the idea of using something, and from there its meaning expanded to "by means of," "through," and "because of." This is why 以 can express the method or means by which something happens. Its modern meanings are surprisingly connected to the simple idea of using something to accomplish a task.
Memory Trick
🧑🌾 A farmer uses this tool to work the field—using something as a means to get the job done is 以.
Readings
Onyomi: イ (i)
Kunyomi:
Example Words
以上
いじょう (ijou)
More than, above
以前
いぜん (izen)
Before
以外
いがい (igai)
Except
以内
いない (inai)
Within
Example Sentence
十八歳 以上の 人だけです。
じゅうはっさい いじょうの ひとだけです。
juuhassai ijou no hito dake desu
Only people aged 18 or older.