贒
virtuous, worthy, good, able
Readings
On'yomi
- ケン
Kun'yomi
- かしこ.い
Meaning
贒 centers on moral excellence and capability: a person who is virtuous, worthy, good, and able. The meanings cluster around inner character and practical competence.
Study
Etymology
贒 is a variant form of 賢. It combines 貝 (shell, value) with components suggesting moral worth. The exact historical development of this particular variant is uncertain, but it shares the same core idea of virtue and worth as 賢.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 臣 (retainer) and the right side 忠 (loyalty) over 貝 (shell, value) suggest a loyal retainer whose worth is measured in virtue and ability. Picture a worthy person whose inner goodness is as valuable as treasure.
Reading mnemonic
For ケン, imagine a virtuous person named Ken who is both good and able: Ken -> ケン, and his character shines like the kanji's meaning.