The kanji 孝 primarily conveys the meaning of "filial piety," "devotion to parents," or "respect for elders." It represents the virtue of honoring and caring for one's parents and ancestors. This includes showing respect, providing for their needs, and carrying out their wishes. It's a fundamental concept in many East Asian cultures, particularly in Confucianism.

・On-yomi (音読み): こう (kō) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): おやこうこう (oyakōkō - filial piety, devotion to parents)

⚫︎ 孝行息子 Translation: A filial son. ⚫︎ 両親に孝を尽くす Translation: To show filial piety to one's parents. ⚫︎ 孝心 Translation: Filial piety; devotion to parents.

The kanji 孝 is a 会意文字 (かいいもじ - ideogram), a character that combines the meanings of its component parts to create a new meaning. It is composed of two parts: the top component is 老 (rō), meaning "old" or "elderly," and the bottom component is 子 (shi/ko), meaning "child." Originally, the character 老 (rō) was thought to represent an elderly person leaning on a staff. The combination of 老 and 子 represents a child supporting or caring for an elderly person, and reflects the concept of filial piety.