虔
respect
Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- ケン
Kun'yomi
- つつし.む
Meaning
虔 centers on deep, sincere respect, often with a sense of reverence or piety. It conveys an attitude of mindful deference rather than casual politeness.
Most common words using 虔
Study
Etymology
虔 combines 虍 (tiger stripes) with 文 (pattern, writing). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it likely expressed a patterned or striped appearance, later extended to respectful demeanor.
Meaning mnemonic
Imagine a tiger (虍) showing its stripes with a calm, dignified posture, while a scholar (文) bows deeply in return. This mutual display of respect captures the essence of 虔.
Reading mnemonic
For ケン, picture a respectful Ken doll bowing politely: Ken -> ケン, and the doll's sincere bow embodies the deep respect of 虔.