儷
companion
Strokes21
Readings
On'yomi
- レイ
Kun'yomi
- つれあい
- ならぶ
Meaning
儷 centers on the idea of a close companion or partner, someone who stands beside you as an equal or pair.
Most common words using 儷
Study
Etymology
儷 combines the person radical 亻 with 麗, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of a pair or couple, as 麗 can suggest a matched set. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 麗, which looks like a pair of deer antlers or a matched set, suggests two people together as companions.
Reading mnemonic
For レイ, imagine a companion named Ray who always stands by your side: Ray -> レイ, and the person radical 亻 reminds you it's about a person.