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Kotomora

緘

shut, seal

Strokes15

Readings

On'yomi

  • カン

Kun'yomi

  • かん.する
  • と.じる

Meaning

緘 centers on closing something securely: shutting a container or sealing a letter so it cannot be opened casually.

Most common words using 緘

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Etymology

緘 combines 糸 (thread) with 咸, which likely contributes the sound. The idea is sealing or shutting with thread, as in tying a bag or letter closed.

Meaning mnemonic

Thread 糸 on the left and 咸 on the right: imagine using thread to sew a bag shut, sealing it completely.

Reading mnemonic

For カン, picture a can being sealed with thread: can -> カン, and the thread keeps the can shut.