俑

effigy

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Readings

On'yomi

ヨウ
トウ
ユウ

Kun'yomi

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Meaning

俑 centers on a human-shaped figure used as a substitute or representation, especially a burial effigy. The meaning is narrow and concrete.

Most common words using 俑

俑よう
terra-cotta figure (in Qin dynasty tombs in China)
俑を作るようをつくる
to set a bad example; to create a bad precedent
兵馬俑へいばよう
terracotta army (clay figurines found near the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor in China); terracotta warriors and horses

Explore all words using 俑 →

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Etymology

俑 combines 亻 (person) with 甬, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to wooden or clay human figures buried with the dead.

Meaning mnemonic

A person 亻 beside 甬, a shape that suggests a hollow figure. Imagine a human-shaped clay effigy standing in a tomb.

Reading mnemonic

For ヨウ, picture a yōkai (妖怪) spirit inhabiting the effigy: yō -> ヨウ, and the figure comes to life.