跟
heel
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- コン
Kun'yomi
- くび.す
Meaning
跟 centers on the heel of the foot, the back part that strikes the ground when walking.
Most common words using 跟
- 跟骨こんこつ
calcaneus; calcaneum; heel bone
Study
Etymology
跟 combines 足 (foot) with 艮, which likely contributes the sound. The character specifically refers to the heel.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 足 means foot, and the right side 艮 looks like a bent leg with a protruding heel. Picture the foot's heel as the part that sticks out like the shape of 艮.
Reading mnemonic
For コン, imagine a con artist kicking you in the heel: con -> コン, and your heel hurts from the kick.