聶
whisper
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
- ジョウ
- ニョウ
Kun'yomi
- ささや.く
Meaning
聶 centers on quiet, intimate speech: whispering, murmuring, or speaking softly so only a close listener can hear.
Study
Etymology
聶 is composed of three 耳 (ear) components stacked together, suggesting many ears listening closely to a soft sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the repetition of 耳 strongly conveys the idea of attentive, quiet listening.
Meaning mnemonic
Three ears pressed together: one ear whispers, the other two listen intently. With so many ears so close, only a whisper is needed.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, imagine a quiet show where the audience leans in with three ears to catch every whispered line: show -> ショウ.