蝌
tadpole
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- カ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
蝌 refers specifically to a tadpole, the aquatic larval stage of a frog or toad.
Most common words using 蝌
Study
Etymology
蝌 combines the insect radical 虫 with 科, which likely provides the sound カ. The character is used specifically for tadpoles, though the historical reasoning behind the component choice is not fully clear.
Meaning mnemonic
An insect-like creature 虫 that is measured or classified 科 as a tadpole: the wriggling shape and aquatic nature fit the insect radical, while 科 suggests a category of small water life.
Reading mnemonic
For カ, imagine a tadpole in a jar labeled 'KA' (like the first syllable of 'tadpole' reversed): the jar's label cues カ while the tadpole swims inside.