匸
hiding enclosure radical (no. 23)
Strokes2
Readings
On'yomi
- ケイ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
匸 is a radical that represents a hiding enclosure or a box that conceals something. Its standalone meaning is tied to this idea of covering or hiding.
Most common words using 匸
- 匸構えかくしがまえ
kanji "hiding-box" radical (radical 23)
Study
Etymology
匸 is a pictograph of a box or enclosure with a lid, representing the idea of hiding or covering. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the shape clearly suggests a container.
Meaning mnemonic
The shape looks like a box with a lid that extends to one side, hiding whatever is inside. Think of a secret compartment that conceals its contents.
Reading mnemonic
For ケイ, imagine a hidden key inside the enclosure: key -> ケイ, and the box hides the key.