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Kotomora

彫

carve, engrave, chisel

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes11

Readings

On'yomi

  • チョウ

Kun'yomi

  • ほ.る
  • -ぼ.り

Meaning

彫 centers on shaping a hard surface by cutting into it: carving, engraving, or chiseling to create a design or inscription.

Most common words using 彫

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Etymology

彫 combines 周 (likely contributing the sound) with 彡 (hair or decorative pattern), suggesting the idea of carving or engraving decorative lines.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 周 looks like a carved frame, and the right side 彡 resembles chisel marks. Picture a craftsman using a chisel to carve decorative lines into a surface.

Reading mnemonic

For チョウ, imagine a master carver named Chou carefully engraving a design: Chou -> チョウ, and his chisel creates fine lines.