昌
prosperous, bright, clear
JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- さかん
Nanori
- まさ
- まさし
- よし
- あき
- あきら
- さかえ
- あつ
- すけ
Meaning
昌 centers on flourishing light and clarity: something prosperous, bright, and clear. The meanings grow from the image of a sun shining strongly and spreading its influence.
Most common words using 昌
Study
Etymology
昌 combines 日 (sun) with 曰 (to speak), suggesting the sun speaking forth light and prosperity. The idea of bright flourishing is well established.
Meaning mnemonic
Two suns 日 stacked together, with the lower one speaking 曰 its brightness upward. The double sun makes everything prosperous and clear.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, imagine a prosperous show under two bright suns: show -> ショウ, and the stage is brilliantly lit.