宀
shaped crown, katakana u radical (no. 40)
Strokes3
Readings
On'yomi
- ベン
- メン
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
宀 is a radical shape resembling a roof or crown, used as a component in many kanji. As a standalone character, it has no clear independent meaning beyond its role as a radical.
Most common words using 宀
- 宀部べんぶ
"roof" kanji radical (radical 40)
Study
Etymology
宀 is a pictograph of a roof or building, often used as a semantic component in characters related to houses or shelter. Its exact historical development as a standalone character is limited, as it primarily functions as a radical.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture the three strokes as a simple roof with a central ridge and sloping sides, like a crown over a building.
Reading mnemonic
For ベン, imagine a bent roof: bent -> ベン, and the roof shape 宀 is slightly bent at the top.