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Kotomora

媒

mediator, go-between

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • バイ

Kun'yomi

  • なこうど

Meaning

媒 centers on a person or thing that connects two sides: a mediator or go-between who facilitates communication or arrangement.

Most common words using 媒

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Etymology

媒 combines 女 (woman) with 某, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of arranging or matching. Historically, matchmaking was often associated with women, giving the character its mediator sense.

Meaning mnemonic

A woman 女 stands beside 某, a shape that suggests a certain someone. Picture a woman acting as a go-between, introducing two certain someones to each other.

Reading mnemonic

For バイ, imagine a mediator buying time between two arguing sides: buy -> バイ, and the woman 女 helps them reach an agreement.