仳
separate, part company
Strokes6
Readings
On'yomi
- ヒ
Kun'yomi
- わか.れる
Meaning
仳 centers on the idea of separation or parting ways, specifically between people. The given meanings of 'separate' and 'part company' both point to a mutual or interpersonal disconnection.
Study
Etymology
仳 combines 亻 (person) with 比, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a side-by-side comparison that can lead to parting. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 standing beside 比, which looks like two people side by side. Imagine them comparing each other and then deciding to part ways: 仳 means to separate.
Reading mnemonic
For ヒ, picture two people parting with a sigh: 'He...' as they separate. The sound 'he' cues ヒ, and the scene matches the meaning of parting company.