氓
people
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- ボウ
Kun'yomi
- たみ
Meaning
氓 centers on the common people, especially the populace or masses, often with a nuance of ordinary folk or subjects.
Most common words using 氓
Study
Etymology
氓 combines 亡 (to flee, perish) with 民 (people), likely suggesting displaced or common people. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 亡 can suggest loss or fleeing, and the right side 民 means people. Picture a group of displaced common folk, the ordinary people who have lost their homes.
Reading mnemonic
For ボウ, imagine a bowing crowd of common people: bow -> ボウ, as the masses bow together.