凰
female phoenix bird
Readings
On'yomi
- コウ
- オウ
Kun'yomi
- おおとり
Meaning
凰 centers on the female phoenix, a mythical bird symbolizing grace, rebirth, and high virtue.
Most common words using 凰
- 鳳凰ほうおう
Chinese firebird; Chinese phoenix
- 凰おう
huang (female Chinese firebird)
- 鳳凰丸ほうおうまる
Hōō Maru (Western-style Japanese frigate, launched in 1853)
- 鳳凰座ほうおうざ
Phoenix (constellation)
- 鳳凰文ほうおうもん
Chinese phoenix pattern
- 鳳凰木ほうおうぼく
royal poinciana (Delonix regia); flamboyant
- 鳳凰竹ほうおうちく
Bambusa multiplex var. elegans (variety of hedge bamboo)
- 鳳凰貝ほうおうがい
Vulsella vulsella (species of clam)
Study
Etymology
凰 combines the wind enclosure ⺇ with 皇 (emperor, sovereign), likely suggesting the phoenix as a majestic bird associated with wind or high flight. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
Inside the wind enclosure ⺇ sits 皇, the emperor. Picture a majestic female phoenix, the empress of all birds, soaring on the wind.
Reading mnemonic
For コウ, imagine a phoenix soaring high like a kite: kite -> コウ, and the empress bird rides the wind.