埒
picket, limits, be settled
Readings
On'yomi
- レツ
- ラツ
- ラチ
Kun'yomi
- らち.があく
- かこ.い
Meaning
埒 centers on a boundary or enclosure that separates and defines limits. The meanings 'picket' and 'limits' both point to a physical or figurative fence, while 'be settled' extends the idea to a matter being resolved within defined bounds.
Most common words using 埒
- 埒らち
bounds; limits
- 不埒ふらち
lawless; outrageous; insolent; rude; inexcusable; unpardonable
- 埒外らちがい
out of bounds; beyond the pale
- 不埒千万ふらちせんばん
very insolent; extremely audacious; reprehensible
- 不埒者ふらちもの
miscreant; scoundrel; villain
- 埒があかないらちがあかない
making no progress; getting nowhere; remaining unsettled
- 埒があくらちがあく
to come to a settlement
- 埒もないらちもない
incoherent; vague; silly; foolish
- 埒内らちない
within bounds; within the pale
Study
Etymology
埒 combines 土 (earth) with 寽, which likely contributes a sound element. The earth radical suggests an earthen boundary or fence, fitting the meaning of limits or pickets.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side is earth 土, and the right side 寽 looks like a hand 爪 measuring with a tool 寸. Imagine building an earthen picket fence, carefully measuring the limits of the land.
Reading mnemonic
For レツ, picture a fence made of let's say, wooden stakes: 'let's' -> レツ, marking the limits of the property.