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Kotomora

禮

social custom, manners, courtesy, rites

StatusJinmeiyō (variant)Strokes18

Readings

On'yomi

  • レイ
  • ライ

Kun'yomi

—

Nanori

  • ひろ
  • れ

Meaning

禮 centers on the structured ways people show respect and maintain social order: customs, manners, courtesy, and formal rites.

Study

Etymology

禮 combines 示 (altar, spirit) with 豊, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of ritual vessels or abundance, together expressing formal ceremonies and social customs.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 示 suggests a sacred altar, and the right side 豊 looks like a full ritual vessel. Picture a ceremony where offerings are made with proper manners and courtesy.

Reading mnemonic

For レイ, imagine a formal ceremony where everyone must lay their offerings on the altar: lay -> レイ, and the rite requires perfect manners.