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Kotomora

髺

the hair disheveled, as in mourning

Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • ガチ
  • カツ

Kun'yomi

  • たば.ねる

Meaning

髺 centers on hair that is disheveled or unkempt, especially as a sign of mourning or grief. The idea is hair left loose and untidy rather than neatly arranged.

Study

Etymology

髺 combines 髟 (hair) with 舌, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with disheveled hair, particularly in mourning contexts.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 髟 shows long flowing hair, and the bottom 舌 looks like a tongue hanging out. Picture someone in mourning with hair unkempt and mouth open in grief.

Reading mnemonic

For ガチ, imagine a grieving person with disheveled hair clutching a picture: the sound 'gachi' suggests a tight, desperate grip, like 'gachi' as in 'gachi gachi' (clattering or tight).