眴
dazzled, signal with eyes
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- ケン
- シュン
Kun'yomi
- またた.く
- めくわ.す
- めくわ.せる
Meaning
眴 centers on a visual signal or reaction: being dazzled or using the eyes to communicate. The two meanings connect through the idea of a sudden, noticeable eye movement.
Most common words using 眴
- 眴せめくわせ
signalling with the eyes; exchanging looks; winking
Study
Etymology
眴 combines 目 (eye) with 旬, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the structure suggests a phono-semantic compound related to eye actions.
Meaning mnemonic
The eye 目 beside 旬: imagine an eye that signals or blinks rapidly, like a dazzled person shielding their eyes or someone giving a quick wink to communicate.
Reading mnemonic
For ケン, picture a person named Ken who is dazzled by bright lights and signals with his eyes: Ken -> ケン.