敖
play, be proud
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- ゴウ
Kun'yomi
- あそ.ぶ
- おご.る
Meaning
敖 centers on a proud, expansive display: playing freely or acting with an air of pride. The two given meanings are linked by an attitude of unrestrained self-expression.
Study
Etymology
敖 is thought to combine 出 (go out) and 放 (release), suggesting an outgoing, unrestrained attitude. The modern form is stylized, and the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side looks like a proud person striding out (土 and 方 suggest a place and direction), while the right side 攵 is an action hand. Together they show someone proudly playing and showing off.
Reading mnemonic
For ゴウ, imagine a proud person playing a gong loudly: gong -> ゴウ, and the sound echoes their proud, playful display.