熙
bright, sunny, prosperous, merry
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
- たのし.む
- ひか.る
- ひろ.い
- よろこ.ぶ
- かわ.く
- あきらか
- ひろ.める
- ひろ.まる
Meaning
熙 centers on radiant warmth and the flourishing that comes with it: bright sunlight, prosperity, and joyful merriment. The idea connects light, growth, and happiness as natural outcomes of a sunny, thriving state.
Most common words using 熙
- 康熙こうき
Kangxi era (of emperor Shengzu of Qing; 1661-1722)
Study
Etymology
熙 combines 灬 (fire) with 巸, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of brightness or joy. The exact historical development of 巸 is uncertain, but the character as a whole expresses light and warmth.
Meaning mnemonic
The bottom 灬 is fire, and the top 巸 looks like a face (口) under a shelter (匚) with a curved line (已). Imagine a cheerful face basking in the warmth of a fire, making everything bright, prosperous, and merry.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, picture a key (キー) that unlocks a bright, sunny day. The key turns, and suddenly everything is prosperous and joyful: key -> キ.