霪
rain lasting at least ten days
Strokes19
Readings
On'yomi
- イン
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
霪 centers on a long, unbroken spell of rain, specifically one that lasts at least ten days. It describes a persistent, soaking downpour rather than a brief shower.
Study
Etymology
霪 combines 雨 (rain) with 淫, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of excess or prolonged duration. The character thus suggests rain that continues excessively.
Meaning mnemonic
The rain radical 雨 sits above 淫, which suggests excess. Picture rain that just won't stop, soaking everything for days on end.
Reading mnemonic
For イン, imagine an inn where travelers are trapped by ten days of nonstop rain: inn -> イン, and the rain keeps falling.