慇
courtesy
Readings
On'yomi
- イン
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
慇 centers on sincere, heartfelt courtesy: a deep politeness that comes from genuine care and respect.
Most common words using 慇
- 慇懃無礼いんぎんぶれい
superficially polite but actually rude; rude under a veneer of politeness; courteous on the surface but insolent at heart
- 慇懃いんぎん
polite; courteous; civil
- 慇懃を通じるいんぎんをつうじる
to have a surreptitious sexual relationship with; to have an illicit love affair with
- 慇懃丁重いんぎんていちょう
polite and courteous
- 馬鹿慇懃ばかいんぎん
overdone politeness; polite to a fault; feigned politeness
Study
Etymology
慇 combines 殷 (which historically relates to abundance or fullness) with 心 (heart), suggesting a heart full of sincere feeling, leading to the idea of deep courtesy.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part 殷 suggests richness or fullness, and the bottom 心 is the heart. Picture a heart so full of genuine respect that it overflows into courteous, polite behavior.
Reading mnemonic
For イン, imagine an innkeeper whose heartfelt courtesy makes every guest feel welcome: inn -> イン, and the innkeeper's heart (心) is full of sincere politeness.