禕
excellent, rare, beautiful, fine
Readings
On'yomi
- イ
Kun'yomi
- よい
Meaning
禕 centers on exceptional quality: something excellent, rare, beautiful, or fine. The meanings all point to a high degree of positive distinction.
Study
Etymology
禕 combines 示 (altar, spirit) with 韋, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with fine or excellent qualities, possibly through the idea of something spiritually or ritually distinguished.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 示 suggests something set apart or special, like an offering. The right side 韋 looks like a wrapped bundle. Picture a beautifully wrapped, rare gift placed at an altar: it is excellent and fine.
Reading mnemonic
For イ, imagine an eagle (イーグル) admiring a rare, beautiful object: eagle -> イ, and the eagle's keen eye picks out the finest thing.