Meaning
黥 centers on tattooing, specifically the practice of marking the skin with ink, often as punishment or identification.
Most common words using 黥
tattoo (esp. a traditional Japanese one); tattooing
to tattoo a criminal around the eye (form of punishment in ancient Japan)
face tattoo; facial tattoo
tattooing the forehead of a criminal (Edo-period punishment)
Explore all words using 黥 →
Study
Etymology
黥 combines 黑 (black, ink) with 京, which likely contributes the sound. The character refers to tattooing, especially punitive marking with ink.
Meaning mnemonic
Black ink (黑) is applied to the skin, and the right side 京 looks like a stylized needle or tool pressing into flesh. Together they create a tattoo.
Reading mnemonic
For ケイ, imagine a tattoo artist named Kay inking a design: Kay -> ケイ, and the black ink marks the skin permanently.
