捧
lift up, give, offer, consecrate, sacrifice, dedicate
Readings
On'yomi
- ホウ
Kun'yomi
- ささ.げる
Meaning
捧 centers on holding something up with both hands and presenting it respectfully: lifting up an offering, giving a gift, or dedicating something to a higher purpose. The sacrifice sense is a natural extension of offering something valuable.
Most common words using 捧
- 捧げるささげるN1
to lift up; to hold up; to hold above eye level
- 捧ぐささぐ
to lift up; to hold up; to hold above eye level
- 命を捧げるいのちをささげる
to give one's life (e.g. in battle); to devote one's life (e.g. to a cause)
- 捧げ持つささげもつ
to hold (something) reverently with both hands
- 捧げ物ささげもの
offering; sacrifice
- 捧げ銃ささげつつ
present arms! (military salute command)
- 捧持ほうじ
bearing; presenting; holding up (emperor's picture)
- 捧物ほうもつ
offering; sacrifice
- 祈りを捧げるいのりをささげる
to pray; to say a prayer; to offer up a prayer
- 身を捧げるみをささげる
to devote oneself (e.g. to a cause, goal, etc.); to sacrifice oneself; to dedicate oneself; to give one's everything
Study
Etymology
捧 combines the hand radical 扌 with 奉, which itself depicts hands holding up an object. Together they reinforce the idea of lifting up or offering with both hands.
Meaning mnemonic
The left hand 扌 joins the two hands already present in 奉, creating an image of multiple hands carefully lifting something up to offer or dedicate it.
Reading mnemonic
For ホウ, imagine holding up a precious offering and letting out a reverent breath: 'hoo…' The sound 'hoo' cues ホウ as you lift the gift with both hands.