蟒
boa constrictor, python
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- ボウ
- モウ
Kun'yomi
- うわばみ
- おろち
Meaning
蟒 refers to large constricting snakes, specifically boas and pythons.
Most common words using 蟒
- 蟒うわばみ
large snake
Study
Etymology
蟒 combines 虫 (insect/reptile) with 莽, which likely contributes the sound. The character specifically denotes large snakes like boas and pythons.
Meaning mnemonic
The insect radical 虫 on the left hints at a creeping creature, while the right side 莽 looks like a tangled mass of grass and strokes, like a huge snake coiled in the jungle.
Reading mnemonic
For ボウ, imagine a boa constrictor squeezing a bow (as in bow and arrow) until it snaps: bow -> ボウ.