clear

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 澄 has 15 strokes and denotes clarity or clearness.
• Basic usage: 澄む is read すむ, and 上澄み is read うわずみ.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Clear air and a clear voice
  • 空気が澄んで means that the air becomes clear.
  • 澄んだ声 means a clear, distinct voice.
• Upper liquid and a superficial part
  • 透明な上澄み refers to the clear upper portion of a liquid.
  • 議論の上澄み means the superficial part of a discussion. In 上澄み, the 澄 portion is read ず.