翎
feather, plume, wing
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- レイ
- リョウ
Kun'yomi
- はね
Meaning
翎 centers on the plumage of a bird: a feather, a plume, or a wing. It refers to the ornamental or functional feathery parts of a bird.
Study
Etymology
翎 combines 羽 (feather, wing) with 令, which likely contributes the sound. The character is used for feathers or plumes, especially in literary contexts.
Meaning mnemonic
The right side 羽 shows feathers or wings, and the left side 令 looks like a person receiving a command. Imagine a majestic bird receiving a command to spread its beautiful plume.
Reading mnemonic
For レイ, picture a ray of sunlight catching the iridescent edge of a feather: ray -> レイ, and the feather glows.