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Kotomora

勸

persuade, recommend, advise, encourage, offer

Strokes19

Readings

On'yomi

  • カン
  • ケン

Kun'yomi

  • すす.める

Meaning

勸 centers on urging someone toward a positive action: persuading, recommending, advising, encouraging, or offering an opportunity.

Study

Etymology

勸 combines 雚 (a phonetic component with the idea of observing or calling attention) and 力 (strength, effort), suggesting urging someone to exert effort. The modern Japanese simplified form is 勧.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 雚 looks like a bird (隹) with a crest (⺾) and a mouth (口) calling out, while the right side 力 adds strength. Picture a coach shouting encouragement to push harder.

Reading mnemonic

For カン, imagine a can of energy drink being offered to persuade someone to keep going: can -> カン, and the drink encourages effort.