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Kotomora

桔

used in plant names

StatusJinmeiyōStrokes10

Readings

On'yomi

  • キツ
  • ケツ

Kun'yomi

—

Nanori

  • き

Meaning

桔 is a kanji used primarily in the names of plants, such as the balloon flower (桔梗, kikyō). Its standalone meaning is tied to these botanical references rather than a broad abstract concept.

Most common words using 桔

  • 桔梗ききょう

    Chinese bellflower (Platycodon grandiflorus)

  • 千島桔梗ちしまぎきょう

    hairyflower bellflower (Campanula chamissonis)

  • 岩桔梗いわぎきょう

    mountain harebell (Campanula lasiocarpa); Alaska harebell

  • 捻じ桔梗ねじききょう

    twisted Chinese bellflower crest

  • 沢桔梗さわぎきょう

    Lobelia sessilifolia (species of lobelia)

Explore all words using 桔 →

Study

Etymology

桔 combines 木 (tree/wood) with 吉, which likely serves as a phonetic component. The character is used in plant names, but the exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

A tree 木 with a lucky 吉 charm hanging from it: this special tree is the kind you find in plant names like the balloon flower.

Reading mnemonic

For キツ, imagine a kitsune (きつね, fox) hiding behind the lucky tree 桔, peeking out among the plants: kitsu -> キツ.