諛
flatter
Strokes16
Readings
On'yomi
- ユ
Kun'yomi
- へつら.う
- へつら.い
Meaning
諛 centers on using words to please someone insincerely: flattering or speaking with excessive praise to gain favor.
Most common words using 諛
Study
Etymology
諛 combines 言 (speech) with 臾, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to a sense of pulling or drawing in, suggesting speech that draws someone in through flattery.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 言 is speech, and the right side 臾 looks like a person 人 holding something over a mortar 臼. Imagine someone using smooth words to grind down resistance: flattering speech that softens the listener.
Reading mnemonic
For ユ, picture someone flattering you with exaggerated praise: "You are amazing!" The word "you" cues ユ, and the flattery is all about you.