數
number, strength, fate, law, figures
Readings
On'yomi
- スウ
- ス
- サク
- ソク
- シュ
Kun'yomi
- かず
- かぞ.える
- しばしば
- せ.める
- わずらわ.しい
Meaning
數 centers on the concept of counting and the results of counting: numbers, figures, and quantities. The extended senses of fate, law, and strength arise from the idea of a fixed, countable order or measure in the world.
Study
Etymology
數 is the traditional form of 数. It combines 婁 (a phonetic component with the idea of threading or connecting) and 攵 (a hand holding a stick, suggesting an action). Together they express the act of counting or enumerating, which leads to numbers and related abstract concepts.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 婁 looks like a complex arrangement of threads or connections, and the right side 攵 is a hand with a stick. Imagine a person using a stick to count and keep track of many connected threads, turning them into numbers and figures.
Reading mnemonic
For スウ, picture counting numbers on a digital display that shows 'SUU' (like 'sue' but with a long vowel). The display flashes スウ as you tally up the figures.