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Kotomora

缶

tin can, container, jar radical (no. 121)

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes6

Readings

On'yomi

  • カン

Kun'yomi

  • かま

Nanori

  • ふ
  • べ

Meaning

缶 centers on a container, especially a metal one: a tin can or jar. The radical sense is the same container shape used as a component in other characters.

Most common words using 缶

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Etymology

缶 is a pictograph of a lidded container or jar. The modern form preserves the basic shape of a vessel with a top and a hollow body.

Meaning mnemonic

The top horizontal stroke is the lid, the short vertical strokes are the rim, and the lower boxy shape is the body of a tin can or jar. Picture a sealed metal container: 缶.

Reading mnemonic

For カン, imagine a tin can: can -> カン. The English word 'can' sounds exactly like the reading, and the kanji itself is a can.