擁
hug, embrace, possess, protect, lead
Readings
On'yomi
- ヨウ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
擁 centers on holding something close and keeping it safe: hugging, embracing, protecting, or possessing. The sense of leading extends from the idea of guiding someone under your protective care.
Most common words using 擁
- 擁護ようごN1
protection; defence; support; safeguarding; championship; vindication
- 擁するようする
to embrace; to hug
- 擁立ようりつ
backing (for a position); giving support to; helping (someone) to a position
- 抱擁ほうよう
embrace; hug; holding in one's arms
- 人権擁護じんけんようご
protection of human rights
- 人権擁護連盟じんけんようごれんめい
Civil Liberties Union
- 擁壁ようへき
retaining wall; breast wall; revetment
- 擁護者ようごしゃ
advocate; defender; champion; backer
- 擁護論ようごろん
championship; defense (e.g. of a position in debate); apologetics
- 相擁あいよう
embrace; hug
Study
Etymology
擁 combines 扌 (hand) with 雍, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of enclosing or gathering. The overall structure suggests holding or embracing with the hands.
Meaning mnemonic
A hand 扌 wraps around the right side 雍, which looks like a gathered, enclosed shape. Picture a protective embrace that holds someone close and keeps them safe.
Reading mnemonic
For ヨウ, imagine a gentle hug that makes you say 'yo' in comfort: yo -> ヨウ, and the embrace protects you.