圭
square jewel, corner, angle, edge
Readings
On'yomi
- ケイ
- ケ
Kun'yomi
—
Nanori
- か
- きよ
- たま
- よし
- かど
- きよし
Meaning
圭 centers on a pointed, angular shape: a square jewel with a pointed tip, and by extension a corner, angle, or edge. The meanings all share the idea of a sharp, defined geometric form.
Most common words using 圭
- 刀圭とうけい
medicine; art of medicine; doctor
- 刀圭家とうけいか
doctor
- 圭璧けいへき
ritual jades worn by feudal lords in ancient China
- 圭角けいかく
rough edges (of one's character, words, etc.); abrasiveness; harshness; sharpness
- 尖圭コンジローマせんけいコンジローマ
genital warts; venereal warts; anal warts; condylomata acuminata
- 尖圭コンジロームせんけいコンジローム
genital warts; venereal warts; anal warts; condylomata acuminata
Study
Etymology
圭 is a pictograph of a pointed jade tablet, historically used as a ceremonial object. The modern form stacks two 土 shapes, but the original image was a tall, pointed jewel.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture two stacked blocks of earth (土) carved into a sharp, angular jewel. The pointed top and squared base make a corner or edge, like a gemstone cut into a precise angle.
Reading mnemonic
For ケイ, imagine a jeweler carefully shaping a square jewel and saying 'K' for the sharp corner: K -> ケイ, and the jewel's edge is perfectly angled.