从
two people
Strokes4
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
- ジュウ
- ジュ
Kun'yomi
- したが.う
- したが.える
- より
Meaning
从 centers on the idea of two people together, often implying one follows or accompanies the other. The core image is a pair of individuals in a close spatial or directional relationship.
Study
Etymology
从 is a compound ideograph of two 人 (person) side by side, representing one person following another. The modern form preserves this simple arrangement.
Meaning mnemonic
Two people 人 standing together, one behind the other, like a follower accompanying a leader. 从 is two people.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, imagine two people following a show: show -> ショウ, and the pair walks together to see it.