甦
be resuscitated, revived
FrequencyTop 5,000Strokes12
Readings
On'yomi
- ソ
- コウ
Kun'yomi
- よみがえ.る
Meaning
甦 centers on coming back to life or vitality: being resuscitated or revived after a state of decline or near-death.
Most common words using 甦
- 甦よみがえ
resurrection
Study
Etymology
甦 combines 更 (to change, renew) with 生 (life), suggesting the idea of life being renewed or restored. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component combination fits the meaning of revival.
Meaning mnemonic
The outside 更 suggests a change or renewal, and inside is 生 (life). Picture life being changed from a dormant state back to active vitality: 甦 is to be revived.
Reading mnemonic
For ソ, imagine a person being revived with a gentle 'so' sound of relief: so -> ソ, as life returns.