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Kotomora

搰

dig, turbid, exert

Strokes13

Readings

On'yomi

  • コツ

Kun'yomi

  • ほ.る

Meaning

搰 centers on forceful physical action: digging into the ground, stirring something up until it becomes turbid, or exerting effort. The three meanings connect through the idea of working something with intensity.

Study

Etymology

搰 combines 扌 (hand) with 骨, which likely contributes the sound コツ. The exact historical development of the meaning is uncertain, but the hand component suggests manual action such as digging or stirring.

Meaning mnemonic

A hand 扌 working with bones 骨: imagine digging up old bones from the earth, stirring up dirt and making the water turbid, all requiring great exertion.

Reading mnemonic

For コツ, picture digging with a hand tool and hitting a bone with a sharp *kots* sound: kots -> コツ, as you exert yourself digging.