虀
minced pickles, leeks, mix, salt
Strokes22
Readings
On'yomi
- セイ
- サイ
Kun'yomi
- あ.える
Meaning
虀 centers on a mixture of finely chopped or salted ingredients, especially pickled vegetables and leeks. The core idea is a seasoned, minced blend.
Study
Etymology
虀 is a complex character combining 艹 (grass/plant) with 韲, which itself relates to cutting or mincing. The exact historical development is uncertain, but it likely depicts plant material being prepared into a minced mixture.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 艹 suggests plants, and the bottom 韲 looks like a busy kitchen scene with a knife and many small pieces. Imagine finely chopping leeks and mixing them with salt to make minced pickles.
Reading mnemonic
For セイ, picture a chef saying 'say' (セイ) as they add the final pinch of salt to the minced pickle mixture: 'say' -> セイ.