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Kotomora

瘸

lameness, paralysis of hands, leg

Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • カ
  • クウ

Kun'yomi

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Meaning

瘸 centers on physical impairment of limbs: lameness in the legs or paralysis affecting the hands. The meanings are linked by the idea of a body part losing normal function.

Study

Etymology

瘸 combines 疒 (sickness) with a phonetic component that is visually 痂 enclosing 肉. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the structure suggests a phono-semantic compound related to physical ailment.

Meaning mnemonic

The sickness enclosure 疒 wraps around 痂 and 肉, like a disease affecting the flesh. Picture a leg or hand trapped inside, unable to move properly.

Reading mnemonic

For カ, imagine a lame person using a cane: cane -> カ, and the cane helps them walk despite the lameness.