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Kotomora

鷞

the turquoise kingfisher

Strokes22

Readings

On'yomi

  • ソウ
  • ショウ

Kun'yomi

  • たか

Meaning

鷞 refers specifically to the turquoise kingfisher, a type of bird. The meaning is narrow and does not extend to broader concepts.

Study

Etymology

鷞 combines 鳥 (bird) with 爽, which likely contributes the sound ソウ. The character was created to name a specific bird, the turquoise kingfisher.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 爽 suggests a refreshing, clear feeling, and the right side 鳥 is a bird. Picture a refreshing flash of turquoise as a kingfisher darts over clear water.

Reading mnemonic

For ソウ, imagine the kingfisher's wings making a soft 'sow' sound as it glides: sow -> ソウ, like the whisper of feathers over the stream.