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Kotomora

哲

philosophy, clear

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes10

Readings

On'yomi

  • テツ

Kun'yomi

  • さとい
  • あきらか

Nanori

  • あき
  • あきら
  • さと
  • さとし

Meaning

哲 centers on deep understanding and clarity of thought: philosophy, wisdom, and seeing things clearly.

Most common words using 哲

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Etymology

哲 combines 折 (break, fold) and 口 (mouth), suggesting clear, incisive speech or breaking down ideas with words. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with wisdom and clarity.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 折 looks like an axe 斤 beside a hand 扌, breaking things apart. The bottom 口 is a mouth. Together, a sharp mind breaks ideas into clear words: philosophy and clarity.

Reading mnemonic

For テツ, imagine a philosopher named Tetsu who always speaks clearly: Tetsu -> テツ, and his words break down complex ideas.