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Kotomora

聰

wise, fast learner

Strokes17

Readings

On'yomi

  • ソウ

Kun'yomi

  • さと.い
  • みみざと.い

Nanori

  • あきら
  • さとし

Meaning

聰 centers on sharp mental perception: being wise and quick to understand, like a fast learner who grasps things clearly.

Study

Etymology

聰 combines 耳 (ear) with 悤, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of quick understanding. The right side 悤 contains 心 (heart/mind), reinforcing the mental aspect. The exact historical development of 悤 is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

An ear 耳 beside a shape that includes a heart 心: imagine listening with your whole mind, absorbing knowledge quickly and becoming wise.

Reading mnemonic

For ソウ, picture a wise soul (ソウ) whose fast learning comes from deep listening: soul -> ソウ, and the ear 耳 catches every word.