很
disobey, dispute, very, go against, be contrary to
Readings
On'yomi
- コン
- コウ
- ギン
Kun'yomi
- もと.る
Meaning
很 centers on opposition and intensity: going against, disobeying, or disputing something, and by extension expressing a strong degree (very). The meanings share a sense of forceful divergence from a norm.
Most common words using 很
- 很戻こんれい
acting contrary to reason; ruthless defiance; violation of morality, reason or justice
Study
Etymology
很 combines 彳 (step, movement) with 艮, which likely contributes the sound and a sense of stopping or turning back, suggesting a movement that goes against or resists.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 彳 suggests a path or movement, and the right side 艮 looks like a stubborn knot. Picture someone walking forward but hitting a knot that makes them turn back and disobey the expected route.
Reading mnemonic
For コン, imagine a con artist who always goes against the rules and disputes everything: con -> コン, and their contrary nature is very strong.