賂
bribe
StatusJōyō · secondary schoolStrokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- ロ
Kun'yomi
- まいな.い
- まいな.う
Meaning
賂 centers on giving something of value to improperly influence someone: a bribe.
Most common words using 賂
Study
Etymology
賂 combines 貝 (shell, money) with 各, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest the idea of 'each' or 'separate' in the context of a private transaction. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side is 貝 (shell, money), and the right side is 各 (each). Picture money being given to each person involved to secretly influence them: that's a bribe.
Reading mnemonic
For ロ, imagine a low bribe: low -> ロ, and the money (貝) is handed over in a low, secretive manner.