肖
resemblance
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- あやか.る
Meaning
肖 centers on the idea of resemblance: one thing looking like or being modeled after another.
Most common words using 肖
- 肖像しょうぞう
portrait; likeness; picture
- 肖るあやかる
to share (someone's) good luck; to follow (someone's) example; to enjoy the same benefits (of someone or something); to capitalize (on the popularity of something)
- 不肖ふしょう
unworthy (of one's father, teacher, etc.)
- 不肖私ふしょうわたくし
I; me
- 肖像権しょうぞうけん
rights to usage of one's likeness
- 肖像画しょうぞうが
portrait
- 肖像画家しょうぞうがか
portrait painter
Study
Etymology
肖 combines 月 (flesh/body) with ⺌ (small), suggesting a small likeness or physical resemblance. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is broadly accepted.
Meaning mnemonic
The top ⺌ (small) sits above 月 (flesh/body), like a small copy of a body. Picture a tiny figurine that resembles a person: small body, strong resemblance.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, imagine a show of look-alikes: a stage show where everyone resembles a celebrity. Show -> ショウ, and the whole performance is about resemblance.