竸
contest, race
Strokes22
Readings
On'yomi
- キョウ
- ケイ
Kun'yomi
- きそ.う
- せ.る
- くら.べる
Meaning
竸 centers on direct competition: a contest or race where two sides strive against each other. The doubled structure reinforces the idea of two equal opponents facing off.
Study
Etymology
竸 is a variant form of 競, which originally depicted two people competing. The modern doubled 竟 structure visually suggests two equal sides in a contest.
Meaning mnemonic
Two identical 竟 blocks stand side by side like two runners at a starting line, ready to race. The doubled shape makes the idea of a contest easy to see.
Reading mnemonic
For キョウ, imagine the two sides in a shouting match during a contest: 'Kyou! Kyou!' they yell, each trying to outdo the other. The sound 'kyou' cues キョウ and fits the competitive scene.