硯
inkstone
Readings
On'yomi
- ケン
- ゲン
Kun'yomi
- すずり
Meaning
硯 centers on the inkstone, a flat stone used to grind and hold ink for calligraphy. The meaning is specific to this tool, with no broader abstract extensions.
Most common words using 硯
- 硯すずり
inkstone
- 硯池けんち
inkstone well
- 硯洗いすずりあらい
event where schoolchildren wash their inkstones, brushes and desks the night before Tanabata to pray for success in their studies
- 硯石すずりいし
inkstone
- 硯箱すずりばこ
inkstone case
- 磨穿鉄硯ませんてっけん
showing unyielding diligence in one's studies; wearing a hole through one's metal inkstone from constant studying
- 筆硯ひっけん
writing brush and inkstone
Study
Etymology
硯 combines 石 (stone) and 見 (see), reflecting an inkstone as a stone object used in the visible practice of grinding ink.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 石 is a stone, and the right side 見 suggests seeing or observing. Picture a calligrapher carefully watching the stone as they grind ink on it: 硯 is the inkstone.
Reading mnemonic
For ケン, imagine a calligrapher named Ken who always uses his favorite inkstone: Ken -> ケン, and the stone is ready for grinding.