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Kotomora

械

contraption, fetter, machine, instrument

JLPTN2StatusJōyō · grade 4FrequencyTop 2,000Strokes11

Readings

On'yomi

  • カイ

Kun'yomi

  • かせ

Meaning

械 centers on mechanical devices and tools, from simple contraptions to complex machines. The fetter sense is a specific application: a mechanical restraint.

Most common words using 械

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Etymology

械 combines 木 (wood) with 戒, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of caution or restraint. Historically, it referred to wooden fetters or instruments, later extending to machines and contraptions.

Meaning mnemonic

A wooden 木 frame with a warning 戒 sign attached: think of a wooden contraption or a restraining device like a fetter. The warning reminds you it's a machine that can trap you.

Reading mnemonic

For カイ, imagine a wooden machine that opens with a key: key -> カイ. You turn the key and the contraption springs to life.