拂
clear out, sweep away
StatusJinmeiyō (variant)Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- ヒツ
- フツ
- ホツ
Kun'yomi
- はら.う
Meaning
拂 centers on removing something unwanted by a sweeping motion: clearing out dirt, dust, or obstacles, or sweeping them away entirely.
Study
Etymology
拂 combines 扌 (hand) with 弗, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a sweeping or clearing action. The exact historical development of 弗 in this context is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The hand radical 扌 beside 弗 looks like a hand holding a broom or brush, sweeping away dust and clearing the space.
Reading mnemonic
For ヒツ, imagine a hand sweeping away a heap of hits (small pieces of debris): hits -> ヒツ, and each sweep clears them out.