卍
swastika, gammadion, fylfot
Readings
On'yomi
- バン
- マン
Kun'yomi
- まんじ
Meaning
卍 centers on a specific ancient hooked cross symbol: the swastika, also known as gammadion or fylfot. Its meaning is purely this geometric emblem.
Most common words using 卍
- 卍まんじ
swastika (esp. counterclockwise form as a Buddhist symbol); fylfot; gammadion
- マジ卍マジまんじ
wow; kewl; awes
- 卍固めまんじがため
octopus hold
- 卍巴まんじともえ
(fighting) in a confused mass; (falling) in swirls; (falling) in whirls
- 逆さ卍さかさまんじ
right-facing swastika; clockwise swastika
- 逆卍ぎゃくまんじ
right-facing swastika; clockwise swastika
Study
Etymology
卍 is an ancient symbol adopted into Chinese and Japanese writing. Its exact historical development as a character is uncertain, but it represents the swastika emblem found across many cultures.
Meaning mnemonic
The four bent arms of 卍 form a hooked cross. Picture it as a spinning wheel with four bent spokes, a symbol known as the swastika.
Reading mnemonic
For バン, imagine a banner with a swastika printed on it: banner -> バン, and the symbol is the 卍 on the banner.