綢
be clothed in, tie, detailed, fine
Strokes14
Readings
On'yomi
- チュウ
- トウ
Kun'yomi
- まとう
Meaning
綢 centers on wrapping or binding with thread or cloth: being clothed in something, tying, or creating fine, detailed fabric work. The meanings of 'detailed' and 'fine' extend naturally from the idea of intricate threadwork.
Most common words using 綢
- 綢繆ちゅうびゅう
coiled about; entangled; entwined
Study
Etymology
綢 combines 糸 (thread) with 周, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest encircling or wrapping, fitting the idea of being clothed or tied.
Meaning mnemonic
Thread 糸 wraps around 周 like a garment, clothing it in fine, detailed fabric. The thread ties everything together neatly.
Reading mnemonic
For チュウ, imagine a tailor named Chu who carefully ties fine threads around a garment: Chu -> チュウ, and the thread clothes the fabric.