兇
wickedness
Strokes6
Readings
On'yomi
- キョウ
Kun'yomi
- おそ.れる
- わる.い
Meaning
兇 centers on moral corruption and malice: wickedness in character or action. It describes a person or force that is fundamentally evil or harmful.
Study
Etymology
兇 combines 凶 (bad luck, evil) with 儿 (human legs), suggesting a person who embodies wickedness or brings misfortune. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is clear.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 凶 looks like a container of bad luck, and the bottom 儿 represents a person. Imagine a person standing over a pit of evil, radiating wickedness.
Reading mnemonic
For キョウ, picture a wicked person shouting 'kyou!' (like 'kyo') as they cause trouble. The sharp sound 'kyou' matches the reading and the idea of a malicious outburst.