male mythical bird
鳳 refers specifically to the male of the mythical phoenix-like bird in East Asian tradition, often paired with the female 凰.
鳳 is a phono-semantic compound: the outer 几 (wind enclosure) suggests a bird riding the wind, while the inner part historically contained 鳥 (bird) and a phonetic element. The modern form simplifies the inner structure.
Inside the wind enclosure 几, see the strokes as the crest and tail of a mythical bird. 鳳 is the male phoenix soaring on the wind.
For ホウ, imagine the male phoenix letting out a majestic 'hoo' call as it flies: hoo -> ホウ.
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feng (male Chinese firebird)
Chinese firebird; Chinese phoenix
white Chinese phoenix; white Chinese firebird
buttercup (Ranunculus japonicus)
(garden) balsam (Impatiens balsamina); touch-me-not
gifted young person who shows much promise; unrecognized genius; great person whose talent is hidden under a bushel
inscription of a fantastic birdlike creature found on Yin and Zhou dynasty bronze ware
intricately inscribed ancient bronze or iron mirror featuring a pair of firebirds
meadow buttercup (Ranunculus acris var. nipponicus)
Hakuhō period (esp. used as a period of art history, approx. 645-710 CE)
gifted young person who shows much promise; unrecognized genius; great person whose talent is hidden under a bushel
Hōō Maru (Western-style Japanese frigate, launched in 1853)
Phoenix (constellation)
Chinese phoenix pattern
royal poinciana (Delonix regia); flamboyant
Bambusa multiplex var. elegans (variety of hedge bamboo)
Vulsella vulsella (species of clam)
verbal message
pineapple
tower crowned by a representation of the Chinese firebird; beautiful tower