愿
respectful, honest
Strokes14
Readings
On'yomi
- ゲン
Kun'yomi
- つつし.む
Meaning
愿 centers on an inner attitude of sincerity and careful regard: being respectful and honest in one's conduct.
Study
Etymology
愿 combines 原 (origin, source) with 心 (heart), suggesting a heart that returns to its original, sincere state—hence respectful and honest. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is plausible.
Meaning mnemonic
Inside the original source (原) of a person lies a heart (心) that is naturally respectful and honest. Picture uncovering your true heart at the source of a spring, and it shows only sincerity.
Reading mnemonic
For ゲン, imagine a respectful person named Gen bowing deeply, their honest heart (心) showing through their original (原) nature: Gen -> ゲン.