聆
listening, realizing
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- レイ
- リョウ
Kun'yomi
- きく
Meaning
聆 centers on attentive perception through the ear: listening carefully and, by extension, realizing or understanding what is heard.
Study
Etymology
聆 combines 耳 (ear) with 令, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a commanding or clear quality to the listening. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
An ear 耳 beside a commanding figure 令: imagine receiving orders and listening intently to realize their meaning.
Reading mnemonic
For レイ, picture a ray of sound entering your ear: ray -> レイ, and you listen carefully to realize the message.