嫪
hanker
Strokes14
Readings
On'yomi
- ロウ
Kun'yomi
- こいした.う
- なや.む
Meaning
嫪 centers on a deep, persistent longing or yearning, often with an emotional or romantic tone. The single given meaning 'hanker' captures this idea of craving or pining for something.
Study
Etymology
嫪 combines 女 (woman) with 翏, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with emotional longing.
Meaning mnemonic
A woman 女 beside the complex shape 翏, which looks like feathers and lines tangled together. Imagine a woman tangled in her own emotions, constantly yearning for something just out of reach.
Reading mnemonic
For ロウ, imagine a low, mournful sound of longing: 'low' -> ロウ, as the woman hankers with a low sigh.