衷
inmost, heart, mind, inside
Readings
On'yomi
- チュウ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
衷 centers on the innermost part of a person: the heart, mind, or true feelings kept inside. It expresses what is deeply internal rather than outwardly shown.
Most common words using 衷
- 折衷せっちゅうN1
compromise; cross; blending; eclecticism
- 和洋折衷わようせっちゅう
blending of Japanese and Western styles
- 衷心ちゅうしん
innermost feelings
- 和衷協同わちゅうきょうどう
harmonious cooperation; close cooperation
- 微衷びちゅう
one's innermost thoughts (feelings)
- 折衷主義せっちゅうしゅぎ
eclecticism
- 折衷尺せっちゅうじゃく
compromised shaku (compromise between the Kyōhō shaku and the Matashirō shaku; approx. 30.3 cm)
- 折衷案せっちゅうあん
compromise proposal
- 苦衷くちゅう
distress; anguish; mental suffering
- 衷情ちゅうじょう
true heart; inner feelings
- 雅俗折衷がぞくせっちゅう
blending of the classical and colloquial styles
Study
Etymology
衷 combines 衣 (clothing) with 中 (middle/inside), suggesting something worn close to the body or kept inside one's clothing, hence the innermost feelings or heart.
Meaning mnemonic
Clothing 衣 wraps around the middle 中, like your innermost thoughts hidden under your clothes. 衷 is the heart kept inside.
Reading mnemonic
For チュウ, imagine a person named Chu who always keeps their true feelings inside their clothes: Chu -> チュウ, and their heart is hidden in the 衷.