蝮
viper, adder, asp
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- フク
Kun'yomi
- まむし
Meaning
蝮 centers on a specific type of venomous snake: a viper, adder, or asp. The meanings are all closely related, referring to dangerous snakes with a venomous bite.
Most common words using 蝮
Study
Etymology
蝮 combines 虫 (insect/reptile) with 复, which likely contributes the sound フク. The character specifically denotes a venomous snake.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 虫 signals a creeping creature, and the right side 复 looks like a coiled, dangerous shape. Picture a viper coiled and ready to strike.
Reading mnemonic
For フク, imagine a viper hiding in a fuku (服, clothing) pile: fuku -> フク, and the snake strikes when you reach for your clothes.