Mnemonic
To entertain a king, jesters pound a giant mortar while wearing the same ridiculous wings. They flap and grind herbs in unison, lifting everyone's spirits as fragrant clouds fill the throne room. The king laughs so hard he nearly falls off his throne.
Additional thoughts
Picture two winged jesters flanking a mortar—mirrors of each other (same wings). The mortar anchors the scene while the wings frame it on both sides, matching the kanji's symmetrical structure.Quick recall
Jesters in the same wings pound a mortar to entertain the king.Details
The keyword for 興 is entertain. This kanji conveys the idea of arousing interest, excitement, or amusement, capturing the sense of bringing something to life in a lively and engaging way. It is associated with the concepts of prosperity, flourishing, and the stirring of enthusiasm or pleasure. At its core, it reflects the act of lifting spirits and generating a sense of fun or fascination.
- On'yomi
- こう、きょう
- Kun'yomi
- おこ.る、おこ.す