light

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is けい, and the kun readings are かるい and かろやか. It has 12 strokes and relates to light weight or a lack of burden.
• Basic usage: 軽い is read かるい, and 気軽 is read きがる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 軽い / 気軽
  • 軽い means light or slight and is read かるい. It describes low physical weight or a light degree of activity.
  • この箱は軽いので一人でも運べる。 means “This box is light enough for one person to carry.”
  • 気軽 means casual or easy and is read きがる. It describes being able to act casually and without psychological burden.
  • 分からないことがあれば気軽に質問してください。 means “Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.”