In addition to simple pictographs, some kanji are used to convey abstract ideas through a method referred to as 会意 (kai'i, combined ideographs). A common example — one we typically encounter at the early stage of our studies — is 明 (read numerous ways, including mei, myō or aka(rui), and meaning bright). It is formed by combining 日 (nichi or hi, sun) and 月 (getsu or tsuki, moon).

Other notable and easily comprehensible examples of kai'i characters include 安 (an or yasu, peaceful), indicating a woman sitting under a roof), and 男 (dan, nan or otoko, a man), which shows 力 (ryoku or chikara, power), supporting 田 (den or ta, a rice paddy).

The logic of these ancient characters still makes perfect sense to us moderns. In one case, however, it doesn't: That's the character 美 (bi, mi or utsuku(shii), beautiful), which is written by combining the character for 羊 (hitsuji, sheep) and 大 (dai, big). That's how the dictionary of kanji origins explains it too. Several thousand years ago, it seems, a plump sheep was indeed a beautiful thing, especially if you were expecting lots of guests for dinner.