窕
quiet
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- チョウ
- ヨウ
Kun'yomi
- うつく.しい
Meaning
窕 centers on quietness and stillness, often describing a secluded or serene atmosphere. The given meaning 'quiet' captures its core sense of calm.
Most common words using 窕
- 窈窕ようちょう
graceful; slim and beautiful
Study
Etymology
窕 combines 穴 (hole, cavity) with 兆 (omen, sign). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it may have originally suggested a quiet, secluded space or a subtle sign within a hollow.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture a quiet cave (穴) where a faint omen or sign (兆) appears silently. The stillness of the cave makes the quietness palpable.
Reading mnemonic
For チョウ, imagine a quiet morning where a single butterfly (蝶, ちょう) flutters silently inside a cave (穴). The butterfly's name ちょう cues the reading チョウ.