枉
bend, curve, crooked, perverse, lean, forcibly, against one's will
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- オウ
Kun'yomi
- ま.げる
- ま.がる
- ま.げて
Meaning
枉 centers on deviation from a straight or proper path: physically bending or curving, and figuratively being crooked, perverse, or acting against one's will. The idea of forcing something or leaning away from the norm ties these senses together.
Most common words using 枉
Study
Etymology
枉 combines 木 (tree/wood) with 王, which likely contributes the sound. The original idea may have been wood that is bent or not straight, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A tree 木 beside a king 王: imagine the king leaning on the tree so heavily that it bends crookedly. The tree is forced into a curve against its natural will.
Reading mnemonic
For オウ, picture the king bending the tree and saying 'Ow!' as it snaps crookedly: Ow -> オウ.