苻
kudzu-like plant
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- フ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
苻 refers to a specific plant described as similar to kudzu. Its meaning is narrow and botanical, without broader abstract extensions.
Study
Etymology
苻 combines the plant radical 艹 with 付, which likely provides the sound. The character was created to name a specific plant, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The plant top 艹 over 付 suggests a plant that attaches or clings like kudzu. Picture a vine with leaves (艹) that attaches (付) to everything.
Reading mnemonic
For フ, imagine a kudzu vine growing into the shape of the katakana フ. The vine's tendril curls exactly like フ, helping you remember the reading.