窈
quiet
Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- ヨウ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
窈 centers on a deep, secluded quietness: a still, withdrawn calm that feels distant or hidden.
Most common words using 窈
- 窈窕ようちょう
graceful; slim and beautiful
Study
Etymology
窈 combines 穴 (hole, cave) with 幼 (young, delicate), suggesting a deep, secluded space that is quiet and still. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component combination likely reinforces the idea of depth and quietness.
Meaning mnemonic
A cave (穴) where a young child (幼) sleeps deeply: the scene is perfectly quiet and still.
Reading mnemonic
For ヨウ, imagine the quiet cave echoing with a soft 'yo~' sound: yo~ -> ヨウ, the sound of deep stillness.