孺
child
Strokes17
Readings
On'yomi
- ジュ
Kun'yomi
- おさない
- ちのみご
Meaning
孺 centers on a young child, especially an infant or toddler. The given meanings focus on the child itself, without abstract extensions.
Most common words using 孺
- 孺子じゅし
child; young lad
Study
Etymology
孺 combines 子 (child) with 需, which likely contributes the sound. The character is used for young children, but the exact historical role of 需 is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A child 子 needs 需 care and attention. Picture a small child clinging to an adult, representing the dependency of a young child.
Reading mnemonic
For ジュ, imagine a child drinking juice: juice -> ジュ, and the child 子 on the left is happily sipping.