爽
refreshing, bracing, resonant, sweet, clear
Readings
On'yomi
- ソウ
Kun'yomi
- あき.らか
- さわ.やか
- たがう
Meaning
爽 centers on a crisp, invigorating clarity: something refreshing and bracing that clears the senses, like a cool breeze or a resonant, sweet sound.
Most common words using 爽
- 爽やかさわやかN3
fresh; refreshing; invigorating; pleasant; delightful
- 爽快そうかいN1
refreshing; exhilarating; invigorating; bracing
- 颯爽さっそうN1
gallant; dashing; jaunty
- 心身爽快しんしんそうかい
feeling refreshed in mind and body
- 昧爽まいそう
dawn
- 気分爽快きぶんそうかい
feeling great (refreshed)
- 清爽せいそう
refreshing
- 爽々さわさわ
rustling
- 爽健美茶そうけんびちゃ
Sokenbicha (tea brand)
- 爽凉そうりょう
cool and refreshing
- 爽快感そうかいかん
refreshing feeling; feeling of exhilaration
- 爽秋そうしゅう
refreshing and pleasant autumn
- 英姿颯爽えいしさっそう
cutting a fine (dashing, gallant, noble) figure
- 豪爽ごうそう
fine disposition
Study
Etymology
爽 is thought to depict a person with open arms and small marks representing brightness or clarity, conveying a sense of refreshing openness. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The large central shape looks like a person stretching their arms wide, and the four small marks are like crisp, cool sparks of energy. Together they create a feeling of refreshing, bracing clarity.
Reading mnemonic
For ソウ, imagine a refreshing soul-soothing breeze: soul -> ソウ, and the crisp air clears your mind.