恭
respect, reverent
Readings
On'yomi
- キョウ
Kun'yomi
- うやうや.しい
Nanori
- きよ
- やす
- やすし
- ゆき
- よし
Meaning
恭 centers on a deep, formal respect or reverence, often shown in attitude or behavior.
Most common words using 恭
- 恭順きょうじゅん
allegiance; obedience; submission
- 恭しいうやうやしい
polite; respectful; reverent
- 恭倹きょうけん
respectfulness and modesty; deference
- 恭敬きょうけい
respect; reverence; veneration
- 恭謙きょうけん
modesty; humility
- 恭賀きょうが
respectful congratulations
- 恭賀新年きょうがしんねん
Happy New Year
- 温良恭倹譲おんりょうきょうけんじょう
cordial, obedient, respectful, modest, and moderate
Study
Etymology
恭 combines 共 (together, shared) with 心 (heart) in the form ⺗, suggesting a shared heart or collective respect. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is well established.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 共 suggests something shared or common, and the bottom ⺗ is a heart. Picture a community sharing a heartfelt, respectful attitude: 恭 is that deep respect.
Reading mnemonic
For キョウ, imagine a respectful bow in Kyoto (京都, きょうと): Kyoto -> キョウ, and the bow shows reverence.