麘
scent
Strokes20
Readings
On'yomi
- キョウ
- コウ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
麘 centers on scent, specifically a fragrant or aromatic smell. The meaning is narrow and concrete, referring to a pleasant odor.
Study
Etymology
麘 combines 鹿 (deer) and 香 (fragrance), likely referring to the musky scent associated with deer. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component choice is semantically transparent.
Meaning mnemonic
A deer (鹿) wrapped around fragrance (香): imagine a deer carrying a naturally sweet, musky scent. 麘 is that scent.
Reading mnemonic
For キョウ, picture a deer in Kyoto (京都, きょうと) surrounded by the scent of incense: Kyoto -> キョウ, and the deer brings the fragrance.