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Kotomora

壯

big, large, robust, name of tribe

StatusJinmeiyō (variant)Strokes7

Readings

On'yomi

  • ソウ

Kun'yomi

  • さかん

Nanori

  • たけし

Meaning

壯 centers on strength and largeness: something big, robust, or imposing. The tribe-name sense is a specific historical application of that idea of a powerful group.

Study

Etymology

壯 is the traditional form of modern 壮. It combines 士 (scholar, warrior) with 爿, which likely contributes a sound element. The character expresses the idea of a strong, robust man or warrior.

Meaning mnemonic

A strong scholar-warrior 士 stands beside a sturdy wooden bedframe 爿, showing his big, robust build.

Reading mnemonic

For ソウ, imagine a big, robust sumo wrestler named Sou: Sou -> ソウ, and his large frame fills the room.