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Kotomora

揖

bow with arms folded, come together, assemble

Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • イツ
  • ユ
  • シュウ
  • ユウ

Kun'yomi

—

Nanori

  • い

Meaning

揖 centers on a formal gesture of respect or gathering: bowing with arms folded, and by extension coming together or assembling people.

Most common words using 揖

  • 一揖いちゆう

    slight bow

  • 揖譲ゆうじょう

    bowing respectfully with one's hands clasped in front of one's chest

Explore all words using 揖 →

Study

Etymology

揖 combines 扌 (hand) with 咠, which likely contributes the sound and relates to gathering or whispering, suggesting a hand gesture of respectful assembly.

Meaning mnemonic

The hand radical 扌 beside 咠 (which looks like an ear 耳 and mouth 口 together) suggests a hand gesture accompanying a whispered gathering or a formal bow.

Reading mnemonic

For イツ, imagine an 'eats' banquet where everyone assembles and bows before eating: 'eats' -> イツ, and the hand gesture shows respect.