覺
memorize
Readings
On'yomi
- カク
Kun'yomi
- おぼ.える
- さ.ます
- さ.める
- さと.る
Nanori
- がく
Meaning
覺 centers on internal perception and awareness: memorizing, waking up, or realizing something. The single given meaning 'memorize' is one application of this broader idea of becoming conscious of and retaining something.
Study
Etymology
覺 is the traditional form of 覚. It combines 見 (see) with an upper component that likely contributed the sound and relates to learning or perception. The modern simplified form 覚 replaces the complex upper part with a simpler visual element.
Meaning mnemonic
The bottom 見 means 'see'. The upper part looks like a mortar (臼) under a cover (冖) with crossed lines (爻) suggesting active mixing. Picture yourself grinding and mixing information with your eyes wide open until you memorize it.
Reading mnemonic
For カク, imagine memorizing facts by writing them on a card and sticking it to a cork board: cork -> カク, and the card helps you wake up your memory.