匍
crawl, creep
Strokes9
Readings
On'yomi
- ホ
Kun'yomi
- は.う
Meaning
匍 centers on moving close to the ground: crawling or creeping, often with the body low and limbs spread.
Most common words using 匍
Study
Etymology
匍 combines 勹 (a wrapping or enclosing shape) with 甫, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with crawling or creeping movement.
Meaning mnemonic
The outer 勹 looks like a person bent over, and inside 甫 suggests spreading out. Picture someone bent low, spreading their limbs to crawl forward.
Reading mnemonic
For ホ, imagine a person crawling and letting out a low, breathy 'ho' sound with each movement: ho -> ホ.