佬
(Cantonese) man, person, mature
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- リョウ
- ロ
- ロウ
Kun'yomi
- おお.きい
Meaning
佬 centers on a person, specifically a man or a mature individual, as used in Cantonese contexts. The meanings are closely related, describing a human being with an emphasis on adulthood or masculinity.
Study
Etymology
佬 combines the person radical 亻 with 老, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of age or maturity. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the structure suggests a person characterized by maturity.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 老 (old) suggests a mature man. Picture an elderly gentleman standing tall, representing a mature person.
Reading mnemonic
For リョウ, imagine a mature man named Ryo who always gives wise advice: Ryo -> リョウ, and his maturity makes him a respected person.