Meaning
The kanji 仰 (ぎょう / あおぐ) primarily conveys the concepts of 'looking up,' 'respecting,' and 'depending on.' It captures both the physical act of gazing skyward and the metaphorical act of veneration or seeking guidance from a higher authority or esteemed individual. The kanji's meaning is powerfully conveyed through its components, both visually and semantically. It combines the radical 人 (ひと / にんべん), meaning 'person,' with 卯 (う / ぼう). While 卯 primarily serves as a phonetic component here, it also subtly conveys the nuance of 'facing upwards' or 'open.' Imagine a person looking upwards—perhaps in prayer, admiration, or seeking direction. This visual association directly links to its core meanings.
Its etymology reinforces this idea: a person (人) in a posture of looking or opening upwards (卯). Although 卯 typically refers to the 'rabbit' or the fourth of the twelve earthly branches, its ancient form suggested an open door or a stretching upward motion. This perfectly aligns with 仰's 'looking up' aspect. The kanji 仰 thus beautifully illustrates a human action directed upwards, be it physically, emotionally, or spiritually. It is a Jōyō kanji, included in the list of kanji for daily use, but its N1 classification indicates advanced usage in Japanese. It has 6 strokes, making it relatively simple to write once the components are learned.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi readings for 仰 are typically used when the kanji forms part of a compound word, often conveying more abstract or formal meanings. The primary On'yomi readings are ギョウ (GYŌ) and コウ (KŌ).
- ギョウ (GYŌ): This is the more common On'yomi reading for 仰 and appears in many everyday as well as formal compounds related to looking up, belief, or astonishment.
仰望 (gyōbō) — meaning 'to look up to,' 'to gaze up at' (e.g., at the sky or a distant ideal).
仰天 (gyōten) — meaning 'astonishment,' 'looking up to the heavens in surprise.' Often used in the phrase 仰天する (gyōten suru), 'to be astonished.' For example, news of an unexpected event might make people 仰天する.
信仰 (shinkō) — meaning 'faith,' 'belief,' 'religion.' Here, 仰 implies looking up to or revering a deity or doctrine.
- コウ (KŌ): This reading is less common than ギョウ but is found in specific compounds, particularly those related to physical posture or older, more formal terms.
仰臥 (kōga) — meaning 'lying on one's back,' 'supine position.' This term is often used in medical or anatomical contexts, such as describing a patient's position during an examination.
平仰 (heikō) — meaning 'lying flat on one's back.' This is a more technical or archaic term, similar to 仰臥 but emphasizing the flat posture.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi readings are used when the kanji stands alone or is combined with okurigana (hiragana endings), often functioning as a native Japanese verb, adjective, or noun.
- あお-ぐ (ao-gu): This is the most prevalent Kun'yomi and is used for the verb 仰ぐ (あおぐ), which has a broad range of meanings including 'to look up,' 'to revere,' 'to ask for,' or 'to depend on.'
仰ぐ (aogu) — to look up; to revere; to ask for; to depend on.
星空を仰ぐ (hoshizora wo aogu) — to look up at the starry sky.
指示を仰ぐ (shiji wo aogu) — to ask for instructions or guidance (e.g., from a superior or expert).
- おお-せ (ō-se): This reading is used for the noun 仰せ (おおせ), an honorific term for 'command,' 'instruction,' or 'words' from a superior. It often appears in formal or humble contexts.
仰せ (ōse) — command; instruction (honorific, used when referring to a superior's words).
仰せの通り (ōse no tōri) — as you commanded/said; according to your instructions.
仰せ付かる (ōsetsukaru) — to be ordered/commanded (honorific humble form), for example, from one's boss or teacher.
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 仰 appears in numerous compounds, reflecting its diverse applications in both literal and figurative contexts. Here are some common words and compounds categorized by theme:
- Related to Respect & Admiration:
- 仰望 (gyōbō) — looking up to; admiration; expectation.
- 信仰 (shinkō) — faith; belief; religion.
- 仰慕 (gyōbo) — admiration; reverence.
- Related to Physical Posture & Direction:
- 仰向け (aomuke) — facing upwards; on one's back (e.g., to lie on one's back).
- 仰臥 (kōga) — lying on one's back; supine position.
- 仰角 (gyōkaku) — angle of elevation; upward angle.
- Related to Request & Command:
- 仰ぐ (aogu) — to look up to; to revere; to ask for; to depend on.
- 仰せ (ōse) — command; instruction (honorific).
- 仰せ付かる (ōsetsukaru) — to be ordered/commanded (humble).
- Related to Astonishment & Exaggeration:
- 仰天 (gyōten) — astonishment; being struck with amazement.
- 仰天する (gyōten suru) — to be astonished; to be flabbergasted.
- 仰々しい (gyōgyōshii) — exaggerated; ostentatious; pompous.
Example Sentences
晴れた日には、空を仰ぎたくなります。
Hareta hi ni wa, sora wo aogitaku narimasu.
On a clear day, I feel like looking up at the sky.
彼は恩師を父のように仰いでいます。
Kare wa onshi wo chichi no yō ni aoideimasu.
He reveres his mentor like a father.
指導者の指示を仰ぎましょう。
Shidōsha no shiji wo aogimashō.
Let's ask for instructions from the leader.
突然の出来事に、皆が仰天しました。
Totsuzen no dekigoto ni, mina ga gyōten shimashita.
Everyone was astonished by the sudden incident.
彼の仰々しい態度に、皆は困惑した。
Kare no gyōgyōshii taido ni, mina wa konwaku shita.
Everyone was perplexed by his pompous attitude.
患者はベッドで仰臥の姿勢をとっています。
Kanja wa beddo de kōga no shisei wo totteimasu.
The patient is in a supine position on the bed.
私たちは宇宙の神秘を仰望する。
Watashitachi wa uchū no shinpi wo gyōbō suru.
We look up to the mysteries of the universe.
先輩の仰せの通りに準備を進めました。
Senpai no ōse no tōri ni junbi wo susumemashita.
I proceeded with preparations as instructed by my senior.
多くの人々が彼の信仰に共感している。
Ōku no hitobito ga kare no shinkō ni kyōkan shiteiru.
Many people empathize with his faith.
Memory Tip
To remember 仰, think of its components: the 'person' radical (人) on the left, and 卯 on the right. While 卯 literally means 'rabbit,' it can be visually interpreted as someone stretching or opening upwards. So, imagine a