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Kotomora

窒

plug up, obstruct

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes11

Readings

On'yomi

  • チツ

Kun'yomi

—

Meaning

窒 centers on blocking passage: plugging up an opening or obstructing flow so that nothing can get through.

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Etymology

窒 combines 穴 (hole, cavity) with 至, which likely contributes the sound. The idea is a hole being stopped up or blocked.

Meaning mnemonic

A hole (穴) is stopped up when something reaches (至) it and blocks the opening. Picture a cork reaching a bottle's hole and plugging it tightly.

Reading mnemonic

For チツ, imagine a blocked pipe that finally clears with a sharp 'cheats!' sound as the obstruction is forced out: cheats -> チツ.