聵
deaf
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- ゲ
- カイ
Kun'yomi
- つんぼ
Meaning
聵 centers on the inability to hear: deafness. It is a specific medical or sensory condition rather than a broad conceptual cluster.
Study
Etymology
聵 combines 耳 (ear) with 貴, which likely contributes the sound. The character is a phono-semantic compound expressing deafness through the ear component.
Meaning mnemonic
The ear 耳 on the left is paired with 貴, which can suggest something precious. Imagine a precious ear that has become blocked or damaged, leading to deafness.
Reading mnemonic
For ゲ, picture a deaf person gesturing 'g' with their hand to communicate: the 'g' sound cues ゲ, and the ear 耳 reminds you of the deafness.