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Kotomora

驗

verification, effect, testing

StatusJinmeiyō (variant)Strokes23

Readings

On'yomi

  • ケン
  • ゲン

Kun'yomi

  • あかし
  • しるし
  • ため.す
  • ためし

Meaning

驗 centers on checking something to confirm it is true or works: verifying, testing, or examining for an effect. The idea of proof or evidence (a sign, a mark) extends naturally from that act of verification.

Study

Etymology

驗 combines 馬 (horse) with 僉, which likely contributes the sound. The original idea may relate to inspecting or testing horses, though the exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

A horse (馬) is being examined by a person with a checklist (僉, which looks like a gathering of people under a roof). Picture a vet verifying the horse's health: testing, checking, and looking for signs.

Reading mnemonic

For ケン, imagine Ken the inspector verifying the horse: Ken -> ケン, and he tests everything carefully.