蠭
bees, hornets, wasps
Readings
On'yomi
- ホウ
Kun'yomi
- はち
Meaning
蠭 centers on stinging flying insects that live in colonies: bees, hornets, and wasps. The character groups them under one broad insect concept.
Study
Etymology
蠭 combines 逢 (meeting, encountering) with 䖵 (insects), suggesting a swarm of insects that gather or are encountered together. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character likely emphasizes the collective nature of bees, hornets, and wasps.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 逢 suggests meeting or encountering, and the bottom 䖵 shows two insects. Imagine walking into a swarm of bees, hornets, or wasps that you suddenly encounter—the whole character is a mass of stinging insects.
Reading mnemonic
For ホウ, picture a loud hornet buzzing: the sound 'hou' mimics the deep buzz of a hornet, and the character 蠭 represents hornets and bees. Hou -> ホウ.