儉
economy, thrifty
StatusJinmeiyō (variant)Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- ケン
Kun'yomi
- つま.しい
- つづまやか
Meaning
儉 centers on careful, restrained use of resources: being economical, thrifty, and avoiding waste.
Study
Etymology
儉 combines 亻 (person) with 僉, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to the idea of gathering or restraint, suggesting a person who is frugal.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 beside 僉, a shape that looks like a collection of mouths under a roof, suggests someone carefully managing resources so everyone gets just enough. Picture a thrifty person rationing supplies.
Reading mnemonic
For ケン, imagine a thrifty person named Ken who saves every penny: Ken -> ケン, and his economy is legendary.