痿
atrophy, go numb, be paralysed
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- イ
Kun'yomi
- な.える
Meaning
痿 centers on a loss of function or strength in the body: muscles wasting away (atrophy), limbs going numb, or becoming paralyzed.
Study
Etymology
痿 combines 疒 (sickness) with 委, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a bending or weakening idea. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The sickness enclosure 疒 wraps around 委, like a body bent and weakened by illness. Picture muscles wasting away until the limbs go numb and paralyzed.
Reading mnemonic
For イ, imagine an eagle (イーグル) with atrophied wings, unable to fly: eagle -> イ, and the sickness enclosure shows its weakened state.