憸
flatter, crafty, having specious
Strokes16
Readings
On'yomi
- セン
- ケン
Kun'yomi
- かたよ.る
Meaning
憸 centers on using clever but insincere words to manipulate: flattering, being crafty, or presenting specious arguments that seem plausible but are misleading.
Study
Etymology
憸 combines the heart radical 忄 with 僉, which likely contributes the sound. The heart radical suggests a mental or emotional quality, fitting the idea of crafty or flattering speech.
Meaning mnemonic
The heart radical 忄 next to 僉 (a shape associated with gathering or all) suggests a heart that gathers words to flatter and deceive. Picture a crafty person using sweet talk to win everyone over.
Reading mnemonic
For セン, imagine a crafty person sending (send -> セン) flattering messages to manipulate others. The heart 忄 sends out specious words.