從
from, by, since, whence, through
Readings
On'yomi
- ジュウ
- ショウ
- ジュ
Kun'yomi
- したが.う
- したが.える
- より
Meaning
從 centers on the idea of following or originating from something: moving from a point, being caused by something, or passing through a source. Its meanings of 'from', 'by', 'since', 'whence', and 'through' all express this directional or causal origin.
Study
Etymology
從 is the older traditional form of 従. It combines 彳 (movement) with a phonetic element that also suggests following or accompanying. The modern simplified form 従 reduces the right side.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 彳 suggests movement, and the right side looks like two people following one after another. Picture a line of people moving from one place to another, passing through a gate.
Reading mnemonic
For ジュウ, imagine a line of people following a Jew's harp player: Jew -> ジュウ, and they all move from the village to the festival.