翡
kingfisher
Strokes14
Readings
On'yomi
- ヒ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
翡 centers on the kingfisher, a bird known for its vivid plumage. The meaning is specific to this bird and does not extend to broader concepts.
Most common words using 翡
Study
Etymology
翡 combines 非 (likely a phonetic component) with 羽 (feathers, wings), suggesting a bird named for its distinctive feathers. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 非 looks like two wings spread apart, and the bottom 羽 reinforces the feathery bird image. Together they point to a specific bird: the kingfisher.
Reading mnemonic
For ヒ, imagine a kingfisher diving into the water with a high-pitched 'hee!' sound: hee -> ヒ.