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Kotomora

戉

warrior, arms, savage, Ainu

Strokes5

Readings

On'yomi

  • ジュウ
  • エツ

Kun'yomi

  • えびす
  • まさかり

Meaning

戉 centers on a large bladed weapon and the warrior who wields it. The meanings 'arms' and 'warrior' follow directly from this weapon, while 'savage' and 'Ainu' are historical applications of the same idea to describe a people seen as fierce outsiders.

Study

Etymology

戉 is a pictograph of a large battle-axe or halberd. The modern form preserves the blade and handle shape, with the diagonal stroke representing the weapon's head.

Meaning mnemonic

The shape resembles a heavy axe with a long handle and a curved blade. Picture a warrior holding this weapon, ready for battle.

Reading mnemonic

For ジュウ, imagine a warrior named Jew wielding the axe: Jew -> ジュウ, and his weapon is the 戉.