寞
lonely, quiet
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- バク
- マク
Kun'yomi
- さび.しい
Meaning
寞 centers on a state of stillness and isolation: a quiet, lonely emptiness where little stirs.
Most common words using 寞
Study
Etymology
寞 combines 宀 (roof) with 莫, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of stillness or absence. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
Under a roof 宀, the 莫 part suggests a vast, empty space where nothing moves. Picture a silent, deserted house: 寞 is the lonely quiet inside.
Reading mnemonic
For バク, imagine a lonely person backing into a quiet corner: back -> バク, and the stillness of 寞 surrounds them.