廋
conceal, hide, search for, seek
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- シュウ
- シュ
- ソウ
- ス
Kun'yomi
- かく.す
Meaning
廋 centers on the dual idea of hiding something and searching for what is hidden: concealing, hiding, seeking, or searching. The meanings are two sides of the same coin—what is hidden must be sought.
Study
Etymology
廋 combines 广 (building, shelter) with 叟, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to an old man or searching. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the structure suggests hiding or seeking within a covered space.
Meaning mnemonic
Under a roof 广, an old man 叟 is hiding something. You must search carefully to find what he has concealed.
Reading mnemonic
For シュウ, imagine the old man hiding a shoe under the roof: shoe -> シュウ, and you search for the hidden shoe.