犲
wolf, cruel, wicked, mean
Strokes6
Readings
On'yomi
- サイ
Kun'yomi
- やまいぬ
Meaning
犲 centers on a wolf-like nature: predatory, cruel, wicked, and mean. The meanings extend from the animal to the harsh traits associated with it.
Study
Etymology
犲 combines the animal radical 犭 with 才, which likely provides the sound. The character is associated with a wolf-like animal and its perceived traits.
Meaning mnemonic
The animal radical 犭 beside 才 suggests a wild creature with sharp instincts. Picture a wolf baring its teeth, embodying cruelty and meanness.
Reading mnemonic
For サイ, imagine a wolf sighing with cruel satisfaction after a hunt: sigh -> サイ, tying the sound to the wolf's wicked nature.