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Kotomora

諡

posthumous name

Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • エキ
  • シ

Kun'yomi

  • おくりな

Meaning

諡 centers on a name given after death to honor a person's life, a posthumous name. It is a specific historical and ceremonial concept with no broader abstract extensions.

Most common words using 諡

  • 諡号しごう

    posthumous name (based the deeds one has performed in their lifetime)

  • 諡し

    posthumous name; posthumous title

  • 諡法しほう

    the rules according to which posthumous names are assigned

Explore all words using 諡 →

Study

Etymology

諡 combines 言 (words, speech) with 㿽, a component that likely contributes sound and relates to increase or benefit, suggesting a name that adds honor after death. The exact historical development of the right side is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

Words 言 on the left and a vessel-like shape 㿽 on the right: imagine a ceremonial vessel inscribed with words to honor the deceased, creating their posthumous name.

Reading mnemonic

For エキ, picture a liquid (liquid -> エキ, from 液) being poured from a vessel as part of the naming ceremony, the sound of the pouring echoing the reading.