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Kotomora

蓙

mat, matting, (kokuji)

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Readings

On'yomi

  • ザ

Kun'yomi

  • ござ

Meaning

蓙 centers on a woven floor covering: a mat or matting. It is a kokuji (Japan-made kanji) used specifically for the word ござ (goza), a type of straw mat.

Most common words using 蓙

  • 茣蓙ござ
    N1

    rush mat; matting; mat

  • 寝茣蓙ねござ

    rush mat for sleeping; sleeping mat

  • 盆茣蓙ぼんござ

    gambling mat (for dice games)

  • 茣蓙目ござめ

    rush matting pattern (often on metal or coins)

Explore all words using 蓙 →

Study

Etymology

蓙 is a kokuji formed by combining 艹 (grass) with 座 (seat), suggesting a grass seat or mat. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component choice fits its meaning.

Meaning mnemonic

The grass radical 艹 sits on top of 座 (seat), like a woven grass mat placed over a seat. Picture a straw mat covering a wooden bench.

Reading mnemonic

For ザ, imagine sitting on a mat and saying 'ahh' in comfort: 'za' is the sound of relaxation, like the 'za' in 'pizza' but without the 'pit'. The mat makes you go 'za'.