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Kotomora

笏

mace, baton, scepter

FrequencyTop 5,000Strokes10

Readings

On'yomi

  • コツ

Kun'yomi

  • しゃく

Meaning

笏 centers on a ceremonial staff held by officials: a mace, baton, or scepter that symbolizes authority.

Most common words using 笏

  • 笏しゃく

    shaku; flat wooden or ivory baton carried in the right hand when in ceremonial imperial or Shinto garb

  • 王笏おうしゃく

    sceptre; scepter

  • 笏拍子しゃくびょうし

    clapper (two long pieces of wood that are clapped together; used in gagaku, etc.)

Explore all words using 笏 →

Study

Etymology

笏 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 勿, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The character originally referred to a bamboo tablet or staff used in court ceremonies.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 竹 is bamboo, and the bottom 勿 looks like a wrapped bundle. Picture a bamboo staff wrapped with cloth to make a ceremonial mace or scepter.

Reading mnemonic

For コツ, imagine the sharp sound of a baton striking the floor: kotsu! The kotsu sound cues コツ while the scepter hits the ground.