仿
imitate, copy, as if, stand still, wander
Strokes6
Readings
On'yomi
- ホウ
Kun'yomi
- さまよ.う
- なら.う
- くら.べる
Meaning
仿 centers on mirroring or resembling something else: imitating, copying, or acting as if. The less common senses of standing still or wandering are separate and do not share a clear conceptual center with the imitation cluster.
Study
Etymology
仿 combines 亻 (person) with 方, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with imitation and resemblance.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 方, like someone mirroring a square shape: imitating or copying what they see.
Reading mnemonic
For ホウ, imagine a person imitating a howl: how -> ホウ, and the person copies the sound.