Meaning & readings

refreshing, bracing, resonant, sweet, clear

On’yomi ソウ
Kun’yomi あき.らか、さわ.やか、たがう

Origin

This character combines the idea of "big" (represented by the four instances of large or tall forms) with the notion of crossing or alternation (suggested by the central crossed pattern). The overlapping, orderly arrangement of these strokes creates a sense of openness and clarity—like a space where things are laid out plainly and nothing obscures the view. This visual openness came to symbolize a refreshing, bracing quality, as if a fresh breeze can flow freely through an uncluttered space. The character essentially pictures clarity and directness through its balanced, unobstructed structure.

爽 11 strokes

Components

  • 大 meaning part
  • 爻 radical
  • 爻 radical
  • 大 meaning part

Common words

  • 爽快 そうかい refreshing; exhilarating
  • 爽やか さわやか fresh; refreshing

Reference

Strokes
11
Kangxi radical
89
Formation type
Compound ideographic (combined meanings)
Grade
Jōyō (secondary school)
Frequency rank
#2333 (newspapers)
Former JLPT
level 1
Unicode
U+0723D