俠
chivalrous person, chivalry, knight-errant, tomboy
StatusJinmeiyōStrokes9
Readings
On'yomi
- キョウ
- キャン
Kun'yomi
- おとこだて
Meaning
俠 centers on a person who acts with chivalrous, knightly spirit: someone brave and honorable who helps others, or a tomboy whose bold, independent nature echoes that same ideal.
Most common words using 俠
- 俠道会きょうどうかい
Kyōdō-kai (yakuza syndicate)
Study
Etymology
俠 combines 亻 (person) with 夾, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of being flanked or supported, suggesting a person who stands beside others in a chivalrous manner.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 carrying 夾 (like a person flanked by helpers) represents a chivalrous knight-errant who supports others, or a tomboy with a bold, protective spirit.
Reading mnemonic
For キョウ, imagine a chivalrous knight in Kyoto (京都, きょうと) helping people: Kyoto -> キョウ, and the knight's honor echoes the city's traditional spirit.