絆
bonds, fetters
Readings
On'yomi
- ハン
Kun'yomi
- きずな
- ほだ.す
- つな.ぐ
Meaning
絆 centers on ties that bind, whether physical restraints like fetters or emotional connections like bonds between people.
Most common words using 絆
- 絆きずな
bond (between people); (emotional) ties; bonds; relationship; connection; link
- 絆創膏ばんそうこう
adhesive bandage; sticking plaster; band-aid
- 巻き脚絆まききゃはん
puttee
- 絆されるほだされる
to be bound (by feelings); to be fettered (by); to be overcome (by); to be moved (by); to be touched (by)
- 絆すほだす
to fetter; to shackle; to bind
- 羈絆きはん
fetters; shackles; restraints; bond; connection
- 脚絆きゃはん
gaiters; leggings
Study
Etymology
絆 combines 糸 (thread) with 半, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of halving or tying together, suggesting bonds made of thread.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side is thread 糸, and the right side looks like a half 半 tied up. Picture threads binding things together, forming bonds or fetters.
Reading mnemonic
For ハン, imagine a strong bond like a hand gripping tightly: hand -> ハン, and the thread 糸 ties the bond.