髣
dimly
Strokes14
Readings
On'yomi
- ホウ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
髣 centers on something seen or perceived only dimly, without clear shape or detail. The single given meaning "dimly" captures this vague, indistinct quality.
Study
Etymology
髣 combines 髟 (hair) with 方, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is used in compounds to express dim or vague appearance.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 髟 suggests long flowing hair that blurs the view, while the bottom 方 hints at a direction that is hard to make out. Together they create a dim, hazy image.
Reading mnemonic
For ホウ, imagine trying to see through a dim fog: the sound of a distant owl hooting "hoo" (ホウ) echoes through the haze.