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Kotomora

謟

flatter, suspect, be uncertain, doubt

Strokes17

Readings

On'yomi

  • トウ

Kun'yomi

  • うたが.う

Meaning

謟 centers on speech that is not straightforward: flattering someone to gain favor, or expressing suspicion and doubt. The meanings connect through the idea of words that hide true intent or certainty.

Study

Etymology

謟 combines 言 (speech) with 舀, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development of the meaning is uncertain, but the character is associated with flattery and doubt.

Meaning mnemonic

Words 言 beside a shape that looks like a hand reaching into a mortar 舀: imagine someone mixing sweet words to flatter, or stirring up doubts.

Reading mnemonic

For トウ, picture a flatterer saying 'toe' as they bow low, touching their toe: toe -> トウ, and their words are full of flattery.