mountains towering in a row
崚 centers on mountains rising steeply in a row, like a jagged, towering ridge. The meaning is specific to a dramatic, layered mountain landscape.
崚 combines 山 (mountain) with 夌, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of rising or towering. The exact historical development of 夌 is uncertain, but the character is used for steep, layered mountains.
The left side 山 is a mountain, and the right side 夌 looks like a series of rising steps or peaks. Picture a row of mountains, each one taller than the last, towering in a line.
For リョウ, imagine a row of towering mountains reflected in a calm lake: the reflection (リョウ) of the peaks in the water helps you remember the reading.
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