猴
monkey
Readings
On'yomi
- コウ
Kun'yomi
- さる
Meaning
猴 centers on the animal monkey, with no strong abstract extensions in the given meanings.
Most common words using 猴
- 沐猴もっこう
monkey
- 沐猴にして冠すもっこうにしてかんす
to only look the part (but otherwise be wholly unsuited for it); a monkey wearing a crown
- 猿猴えんこう
monkey (esp. a gibbon)
- 猿猴が月を取るえんこうがつきをとる
to try and reach above one's station and fail; a monkey catches (a reflection of) the moon (in the water)
- 猿猴捉月えんこうそくげつ
trying to reach above one's station and failing; trying to accomplish something beyond one's abilities and failing; monkey catching (a reflection of) the moon (in the water)
- 猿猴月を取るえんこうつきをとる
to try and reach above one's station and fail; to try and accomplish something beyond one's abilities and fail; a monkey tries to catch the moon (and drowns)
- 猿猴鶏頭えんこうげいとう
love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus); tassel flower; velvet flower; foxtail amaranth
- 金糸猴きんしこう
golden snub-nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Study
Etymology
猴 combines the animal radical 犭 with 侯, which likely provides the sound. The character is used specifically for monkey.
Meaning mnemonic
The animal radical 犭 on the left suggests a creature, and the right side 侯 looks like a nobleman. Picture a monkey dressed as a little lord, swinging through the trees.
Reading mnemonic
For コウ, imagine a monkey wearing a tiny crown and making a deep, regal sound: 'Kou!' The monkey's lordly call cues コウ.