The Kanji: 淫 (In / Mida)
The kanji 淫 means "lewd," "obscene," or "excessive." It combines 氵 (water) with 㸒 (excess), originally depicting overflowing waters, later extending to moral excess. This character represents sexual indecency and overindulgence.
Common Words & Example Sentences
1. 淫ら (midara) - Obscene
淫らな行為を禁止する。
"Lewd acts are prohibited."
2. 淫行 (inkō) - Immoral conduct
青少年の淫行を防止する。
"Prevent immoral conduct among youth."
3. 淫売 (inbai) - Prostitution (archaic)
淫売を取り締まる法律。
"Laws regulating prostitution."
4. 淫雨 (in'u) - Excessive rain
淫雨で洪水が起きた。
"Excessive rain caused flooding."
In summary, 淫 describes both sexual impropriety (淫ら, 淫行) and excessive quantities (淫雨), carrying strong negative connotations in moral and natural contexts.