甫
for the first time, not until
JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 5,000Strokes7
Readings
On'yomi
- ホ
- フ
Kun'yomi
- はじ.めて
Nanori
- はじめ
- とし
- なみ
- すけ
- よし
Meaning
甫 centers on the idea of a beginning or initial stage: something happening for the first time, or not until a certain point. It marks a starting point or a threshold.
Most common words using 甫
Study
Etymology
甫 is thought to depict a sprout emerging from a field, symbolizing a beginning or first growth. The modern form retains the 十 and 用 shapes, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 十 looks like a sprout breaking through the ground, and the lower 用 suggests a field or container. Picture the very first sprout appearing in a field: 甫 marks the first time something happens.
Reading mnemonic
For ホ, imagine a hopeful first sprout poking through the soil: hope -> ホ, and the sprout is appearing for the first time.