篝
campfire, fishing fire, beacon basket
Strokes16
Readings
On'yomi
- コウ
Kun'yomi
- かがりび
- かがり
- ふせご
Meaning
篝 centers on a contained outdoor fire used for light or signaling: a campfire, a fire for attracting fish, or a fire in a basket-like beacon.
Most common words using 篝
- 篝かがり
iron basket for torches; cresset; brazier
Study
Etymology
篝 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 冓, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a bamboo basket or framework used to hold a fire.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 竹 is bamboo, and the bottom 冓 looks like a framework. Picture a bamboo basket holding a bright campfire or a fire used to lure fish at night.
Reading mnemonic
For コウ, imagine a cozy campfire where people gather around and say "cozy" (コウ) as they warm their hands. The bamboo basket glows with the fire.