likeness, like, such as, as if, better, best, equal
如 centers on the idea of similarity or equivalence: being like something, such as, as if, or equal. The comparative senses (better, best) extend from the idea of matching or being on par with something.
如 combines 女 (woman) and 口 (mouth). The historical origin is often explained as a woman following spoken instructions, suggesting conformity or likeness, but the exact development is uncertain.
A woman 女 and a mouth 口 together suggest someone speaking and another person conforming to the words, like being as if or equal to what is said.
For ジョ, imagine a judge comparing two things and declaring them equal: judge -> ジョ, and the kanji shows likeness.
how; in what way; how about
how; in what way
what kind of; what sort of; what
like; as
to match; to equal
indeed; really; truly; just (like)
(not) in any way; in no way; at all
suddenly; all of a sudden; unexpectedly
like; similar to
lack; absence; shortage; deficiency; privation
second month of the lunar calendar
Tathagata; perfected one (suffix of high-ranking Buddhist deities)
suspicious; dubious; unreliable
like; as if; the same as
reality; actuality; actual conditions; true situation; faithful representation; vivid depiction
tathata (the ultimate nature of all things)
like...; similar to...
going according to one's wishes
Amitabha Tathagata; Amithaba
to one's regret; regrettably; unfortunately