transparent · penetrate

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The on reading is とう, and the kun readings are すく, すかす, すける. It has 10 strokes and relates to light passing through so that the inside or background is visible.
• Basic usage: 透明 is read とうめい, and 透ける is read すける.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 透明 / 透ける
  • 透明 means transparent or clear and is read とうめい. It describes something transparent or clear enough to see through.
  • 箱の蓋は透明なので中身が見える。 means “The box has a transparent lid, so its contents are visible.”
  • 透ける means show through or be transparent and is read すける. It describes letters, light, or another background showing through thin paper or fabric.
  • 薄い紙から裏の文字が透けて見える。 means “The letters on the back show through the thin paper.”