堯
high, far
StatusJinmeiyōStrokes12
Readings
On'yomi
- ギョウ
Kun'yomi
- たか.い
Meaning
堯 centers on physical elevation and metaphorical loftiness: something high, far, or towering. The two given meanings are closely linked as spatial and figurative extensions of height.
Study
Etymology
堯 is the traditional form, combining three earth (土) elements on top with 兀 below, suggesting a towering mound or high place. The modern Japanese simplified form is 尭.
Meaning mnemonic
Three piled earth mounds (垚) on top of a high base (兀) create a towering structure: 堯 means high and far-reaching.
Reading mnemonic
For ギョウ, imagine a giant named Gyo standing on the high mound, looking far into the distance: Gyo -> ギョウ, and his height matches the kanji's meaning.