Skip to content
Kotomora

侔

equal

Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • ボウ
  • ム

Kun'yomi

  • ひと.しい
  • そろ.う
  • したが.う
  • つと.める
  • と.る
  • はか.る

Meaning

侔 centers on the idea of being equal or matching: things that are the same in measure, value, or action. The given meanings extend this to aligning, following, or striving to reach parity.

Study

Etymology

侔 combines 亻 (person) with 牟, which likely contributes the sound and carries a sense of matching or equaling. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

A person 亻 beside 牟, which resembles a cow's head with horns, suggests two things being measured against each other like balancing scales. Picture a person comparing two equal weights.

Reading mnemonic

For ボウ, imagine a person holding a bow and arrow, aiming to hit a target exactly in the center—equal precision. Bow -> ボウ.