偎
cling to, cuddle, embrace, fondle
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- ワイ
- エ
Kun'yomi
- ほの.か
- なじ.む
- した.しむ
- ちかよ.る
Meaning
偎 centers on close physical affection: clinging to someone, cuddling, embracing, or fondling. The meanings all share the idea of holding or being held in a warm, intimate way.
Study
Etymology
偎 combines the person radical 亻 with 畏, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to the idea of closeness or fear, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 畏, which looks like a head above clothing. Picture someone snuggling close, wrapping themselves in another person's clothes for a warm cuddle.
Reading mnemonic
For ワイ, imagine a couple cuddling and whispering 'why' they love each other: why -> ワイ, as they cling together.