醇
pure sake, purity, affection
Readings
On'yomi
- ジュン
- シュン
Kun'yomi
- もっぱら
- こい
- あつい
Meaning
醇 centers on the idea of pure, undiluted quality, originally describing rich, unadulterated sake. This extends naturally to general purity and, by metaphor, to deep, sincere affection that is untainted.
Most common words using 醇
- 芳醇ほうじゅん
mellow (flavor or fragrance, esp. alcohol); rich; full-bodied; superior
- 醇じゅん
pure sake; full-bodied sake
- 木糖醇もくとうじゅん
xylose; wood sugar
- 濃醇のうじゅん
rich and strong (esp. sake); full-bodied with a strong finish
- 醇乎じゅんこ
pure; sheer
- 醇化じゅんか
refinement; purification
- 醇風美俗じゅんぷうびぞく
good morals and manners; genial manners and laudable customs; pristine way of life
Study
Etymology
醇 combines 酉 (sake jar) with 享, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of offering or richness, together suggesting pure, rich sake.
Meaning mnemonic
The sake jar 酉 on the left and 享 (suggesting an offering) on the right: picture a jar of the finest, purest sake being offered, its richness representing purity and deep affection.
Reading mnemonic
For ジュン, imagine a connoisseur tasting the pure sake and nodding: 'June is the perfect month for this.' June -> ジュン, and the pure sake is enjoyed in early summer.