倡
prostitute, actor
Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- とな.える
- わざおぎ
Meaning
倡 centers on a person who performs or entertains, historically overlapping with acting and prostitution. The two given meanings reflect this dual role of a public performer.
Most common words using 倡
- 倡佯しょうよう
wandering
Study
Etymology
倡 combines 亻 (person) with 昌, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a performer or entertainer, later extending to prostitute.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 昌 (which looks like two suns, suggesting brightness or fame) — imagine a performer on a bright stage, acting or entertaining.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, picture a show on stage: the actor performs a show, and show -> ショウ.