盼
look, gaze, expect, hope for
Strokes9
Readings
On'yomi
- ハン
- ヘン
- フン
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
盼 centers on directing one's eyes toward something with intent: looking, gazing, or watching in expectation. The hope and expectation senses naturally extend from looking forward to something desired.
Study
Etymology
盼 combines 目 (eye) with 分, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The character expresses looking or gazing, with the eye component indicating the visual sense.
Meaning mnemonic
The eye 目 is fixed on something, and 分 suggests dividing attention or focusing on a part. Imagine your eyes dividing the scene to pick out what you hope to see.
Reading mnemonic
For ハン, picture a hand shielding your eyes as you gaze into the distance: hand -> ハン, and your eyes are looking expectantly.