文明
ぶんめい
hepburn bunmei
civilization
Part of speech · noun
Pattern visualization
文writing
Show part origins
明bright
Show part origins
Show stroke order animation
4 strokes · 2.7s
8 strokes · 5.5s
Examples
- 古い文明は川のそばで生まれました。Old civilizations were born beside rivers.
- 文明が進んで、生活が便利になりました。Civilization advanced and life became convenient.
Collocations
古い文明文明が進む文明社会人類の文明文明の発展
Mnemonic
文明 bunmei — 文 (writing, culture) + 明 (bright). Society made bright by writing and wisdom — civilization. 文 is the same kanji as in K-76's 文章 and P4's 文法. It is close in meaning to 文化 (culture). It extends into 文明社会 (civilized society).
Quick check
What do the kanji of 文明 picture together?