The kanji 揮 primarily conveys the idea of "to wield," "to wave," "to direct," or "to command." It often implies a forceful or decisive action, often with a physical gesture. It suggests an action that is intentional, and often involves motion.

・On-yomi (音読み): キ (ki) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ふる(う) (furu(u))

⚫︎ 指揮 (しき) Translation: command; direction; leadership ⚫︎ 指揮者 (しきしゃ) Translation: conductor (of an orchestra) ⚫︎ 揮発油 (きはつゆ) Translation: volatile oil

The kanji 揮 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字, けいせいもじ). ⚫︎ The semantic component is 扌(手, て, hand), which provides the meaning. ⚫︎ The phonetic component is 軍(ぐん, gun), which suggests the sound and reinforces the action of "wielding" or "commanding," like the movements in an army. The character combines these elements to create a more specific meaning related to "wielding" or "directing" something, often with a decisive action or motion. The meaning developed from the idea of "waving" or "directing" with a hand, arm, or instrument.