咒
spell, curse, malediction
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- ジュ
- シュ
- シュウ
Kun'yomi
- まじな.う
- のろ.い
- まじない
- のろ.う
Meaning
咒 centers on spoken or written words intended to bring supernatural harm or control: a spell, curse, or malediction.
Most common words using 咒
- 火界咒かかいじゅ
mantra of the fire realm (in esoteric Buddhism; used to burn away worldly desires and spiritual obstacles); mantra of Acala
Study
Etymology
咒 is an older form of 呪, combining 吅 (two mouths, suggesting repeated speech) with 几 (a low table or stand), possibly evoking ritual incantation. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
Two mouths 吅 chanting over a ritual stand 几: imagine a pair of sorcerers reciting a spell together to place a curse.
Reading mnemonic
For ジュ, picture a jewel (ジュエル) glowing on the ritual stand as the two mouths chant the curse: jewel -> ジュ.