懃
courtesy
Readings
On'yomi
- キン
- ゴン
Kun'yomi
- ねんごろ
Meaning
懃 centers on sincere, heartfelt courtesy and consideration, often expressed through earnest effort and kindness.
Most common words using 懃
- 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
懃 combines 勤 (diligence, effort) with 心 (heart), suggesting courtesy that comes from a diligent, sincere heart. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part 勤 means diligent effort, and the bottom 心 is heart. Picture someone putting their whole heart into being courteous and considerate—true courtesy requires effort.
Reading mnemonic
For キン, imagine a king who is known for his sincere courtesy: king -> キン, and his heartfelt kindness wins everyone over.