夆
resist
Strokes7
Readings
On'yomi
- ホウ
- フ
- バ
Kun'yomi
- さか.らう
- ひ.く
- あ.う
- あつ.い
Meaning
夆 centers on the idea of resisting or opposing, with a nuance of pulling back or meeting head-on.
Study
Etymology
The exact historical development of 夆 is uncertain. It visually combines 夂 (a foot pointing downward) and 丰 (a plant or abundant growth), but the connection to 'resist' is not clearly established.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture a foot (夂) stepping down on a lush plant (丰), but the plant pushes back, resisting the pressure.
Reading mnemonic
For ホウ, imagine a plant resisting being stepped on and letting out a loud 'hou!' sound: hou -> ホウ.