慫
advise, persuade
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- すす.める
Meaning
慫 centers on urging someone to act or think in a certain way: advising or persuading them to take a course of action.
Most common words using 慫
- 慫慂しょうよう
advice; recommendation; suggestion; inducement; persuasion
Study
Etymology
慫 combines 從 (follow) with 心 (heart/mind), suggesting the idea of leading someone's mind to follow a course of action. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is plausible.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part 從 means 'follow', and the bottom 心 is 'heart/mind'. Imagine guiding someone's heart to follow your advice, persuading them gently.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, picture a persuasive show where the host advises the audience to follow their hearts: show -> ショウ.