魈
mischievous, one footed spirit that dwells in the mountains
Strokes17
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- すだま
Meaning
魈 centers on a mischievous mountain spirit, often depicted as a one-footed creature. The core idea is a supernatural being associated with trickery and the wild.
Study
Etymology
魈 combines 鬼 (ghost, demon) with 肖, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The character is used for a specific type of mountain spirit in Chinese folklore.
Meaning mnemonic
A ghost (鬼) with a small, sharp shape (肖) inside: imagine a one-footed, mischievous spirit darting among mountain rocks.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, picture a showy, mischievous spirit putting on a one-footed performance in the mountains: show -> ショウ.