儼
serious, untouched, solemnly, majestically
Strokes22
Readings
On'yomi
- ゲン
Kun'yomi
- いかめ.しい
- おごそか
Meaning
儼 centers on a dignified, imposing presence: being serious, solemn, majestic, and untouched by casualness or disorder.
Most common words using 儼
- 儼乎げんこ
grave; solemn; stern
Study
Etymology
儼 combines 亻 (person) with 嚴, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of sternness or dignity. The exact historical development of the right side is complex and uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 standing with the imposing, stern shape of 嚴 on the right: imagine a solemn guard whose untouched, majestic posture makes everyone serious.
Reading mnemonic
For ゲン, picture a stern general standing untouched and majestic: general -> ゲン, and his solemn presence commands respect.