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Kotomora

埭

dam, jock, inclined plane on a canal, where boats can be hauled up or down

Strokes11

Readings

On'yomi

  • タイ

Kun'yomi

  • せき

Meaning

埭 centers on a barrier or slope for controlling water and moving boats: a dam that holds water back, or an inclined plane on a canal where boats can be hauled up or down.

Study

Etymology

埭 combines 土 (earth) with 隶, which likely contributes the sound. The character refers to an earthen dam or canal slope, fitting the earth radical.

Meaning mnemonic

The earth radical 土 on the left suggests a structure made of soil. Picture a raised earthen bank (dam) or a sloped canal wall where boats are pulled up.

Reading mnemonic

For タイ, imagine a boat being tied to the dam before being hauled up the slope: tie -> タイ, and the earthwork holds the water back.