啇
the stalk, the stem, the foot, the base
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- テキ
- チャク
- セキ
Kun'yomi
- もと
- ねもと
- やわ.らぐ
Meaning
啇 centers on the lower part of a plant or object: the stalk, stem, foot, or base that supports the rest.
Study
Etymology
啇 is a character of uncertain origin. It visually combines 亠, 并, 冂, and 口, but the historical development of these components into the meaning 'stalk, stem, foot, base' is not clearly established.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 亠 is like a lid, the middle 并 and 冂 form a container, and the bottom 口 is an opening. Picture a plant's stalk rising from the base opening, supporting the structure above.
Reading mnemonic
For テキ, imagine a stalk so sturdy you can use it as a teak walking stick: teak -> テキ, and the stalk becomes your base support.