諱
posthumous (real) name
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
- いみな
- い.む
Meaning
諱 centers on a name given after death, specifically a posthumous or taboo personal name used to avoid speaking the true name of a deceased person.
Most common words using 諱
- 諱いみな
real name (of a deceased person or a noble)
- 偏諱へんき
one kanji in the name of a nobleperson (with a multiple-kanji name)
- 偏諱を賜うへんきをたまう
(for a nobleman) to bestow one of the kanji in his name upon someone (e.g. meritorious retainer, boy coming of age, etc.)
- 後の諱のちのいみな
posthumous name
- 忌諱きき
displeasure; offense; offence; disliking
- 忌諱に触れるききにふれる
to give offense; to get on someone's nerves; to displease
- 遠諱おんき
semicentennial memorial service
- 避諱ひき
avoiding using a name (naming taboo in ancient China)
Study
Etymology
諱 combines 言 (speech, words) with 韋, which likely contributes the sound. The character relates to the practice of avoiding a deceased person's true name in speech.
Meaning mnemonic
Words (言) are used to avoid the real name, represented by 韋, which looks like a wrapped or hidden thing. Think of a taboo name wrapped in silence, only spoken indirectly.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, imagine a key (キー) that unlocks the hidden posthumous name: key -> キ, and the words (言) reveal the secret name.