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Kotomora

聡

wise, fast learner

JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • ソウ

Kun'yomi

  • さと.い
  • みみざと.い

Nanori

  • さと
  • さとし
  • さとる
  • あき

Meaning

聡 centers on mental sharpness and quick understanding: being wise and able to learn fast. The two given meanings are closely linked, as wisdom often comes from the ability to absorb and process information rapidly.

Most common words using 聡

  • 聡明そうめい

    wise; sagacious; intelligent; sensible

  • 聡いさとい

    clever; smart

  • 聡敏そうびん

    sagacity; cleverness

  • 聡明剛毅そうめいごうき

    be reasonable, strong and do not give in

Explore all words using 聡 →

Study

Etymology

聡 combines 耳 (ear) with 忩, a component that likely contributes the sound and the idea of mental activity (through 心, heart/mind). The character suggests sharp hearing as a metaphor for quick understanding.

Meaning mnemonic

An ear (耳) connected to a heart/mind (心, inside 忩) suggests someone who listens carefully and processes information quickly, becoming wise.

Reading mnemonic

For ソウ, imagine a wise soul (ソウ) whose fast learning comes from deep listening: soul -> ソウ, and the ear (耳) catches every word.