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Kotomora

兂

hairpin, clasp, wear in hair

Strokes5

Readings

On'yomi

  • シン
  • サン

Kun'yomi

  • かんざし

Meaning

兂 centers on a hairpin or clasp used to secure hair. The meanings all relate to this small decorative or functional object worn in the hair.

Study

Etymology

The exact historical development of 兂 is uncertain. It may be a pictograph of a hairpin, but the modern form does not clearly preserve that image.

Meaning mnemonic

The top horizontal and diagonal strokes suggest the prongs of a hairpin, while the lower part resembles the decorative end. Imagine a simple two-pronged clasp sliding into hair.

Reading mnemonic

For シン, picture a shiny hairpin: shin -> シン, and the clasp gleams as it holds the hair in place.