祲
ominous or sinister spirit, vigor
Readings
On'yomi
- シン
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
祲 centers on a supernatural force that can be either menacing or full of energy: an ominous spirit or a surge of vigor. The two meanings seem to split between a dark spiritual presence and a powerful vitality, without a single clear conceptual link.
Study
Etymology
祲 combines 示 (altar/spirit) with a phonetic component that likely contributed the reading シン. The exact historical development of the right side is uncertain, but the character is associated with ominous spiritual forces.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 示 suggests a spirit or altar. The right side looks like a complex, unsettling shape—picture a dark, energetic force swirling around the altar, bringing either menace or raw power.
Reading mnemonic
For シン, imagine a sinister spirit hissing 'shin' as it looms over the altar: shin -> シン, and the ominous presence fills the scene.