宼
tyrannical, cruel, to rob, to plunder, bandits, thieves, highwaymen
Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- コウ
Kun'yomi
- あだ.する
Meaning
宼 centers on violent lawlessness: tyrannical cruelty, robbing, plundering, and the bandits or highwaymen who commit such acts.
Study
Etymology
宼 is a variant form of 寇. The standard form 寇 combines 完 (roof/house) with 攵 (action), suggesting a raid on a dwelling. 宼 replaces 攵 with 女 (woman), but the exact historical reason for this variant is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
Under a roof (完), a woman (女) is threatened by bandits breaking in to rob and plunder—picture the cruel, tyrannical scene.
Reading mnemonic
For コウ, imagine a bandit shouting 'Coh!' as he breaks in: the harsh sound 'Coh' cues コウ while the robbery happens.