迚
some way or other, very, (kokuji)
Readings
On'yomi
—
Kun'yomi
- とても
Nanori
- とて
Meaning
迚 is a rare kokuji (Japan-made kanji) that expresses the idea of 'some way or other' or 'very'. Its meaning is tied to the Japanese word とても, and it does not have a clear standalone conceptual center beyond that adverbial sense.
Most common words using 迚
- 迚も斯くてもとてもかくても
no matter what; anyhow; in any case; at any rate; in any event; anyway
Study
Etymology
迚 is a kokuji created in Japan, combining the movement radical ⻌ with 中 (middle). The exact historical reasoning is uncertain, but it likely uses 中 to represent the idea of 'in the middle of' or 'through', extended to the adverbial sense of 'somehow' or 'very'.
Meaning mnemonic
The movement radical ⻌ suggests a path, and 中 means middle. Imagine walking along a path and finding yourself in the middle of something, not knowing exactly how you got there—some way or other, you ended up very deep in it.
Reading mnemonic
For とても, think of a 'toe' (と) that is 'very' (ても) sore after walking the path ⻌ to the middle 中. The toe is very sore: とても.