檸
lemon tree
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- ネイ
- ドウ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
檸 centers on the lemon tree, a specific fruit-bearing tree. Its meaning is narrow and concrete, referring to the tree itself rather than a broader concept.
Most common words using 檸
- 檸檬鮫れもんざめ
sicklefin lemon shark (Negaprion acutidens); sharptooth lemon shark
Study
Etymology
檸 combines 木 (tree) with 寧, which likely contributes the sound. The character was created to represent the lemon tree, a specific plant name.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side is a tree 木, and the right side 寧 looks like a peaceful garden with a roof and heart. Picture a tranquil garden where a lemon tree grows, its fruit ready to be picked.
Reading mnemonic
For ネイ, imagine a lemon tree growing in a peaceful garden, and a sign that says 'Nay, do not pick the lemons yet!' The word 'Nay' sounds like ネイ and ties to the tree's calm setting.