壻
son-in-law
Strokes12
Readings
On'yomi
- セイ
Kun'yomi
- むこ
Meaning
壻 centers on a man who marries into a family: a son-in-law.
Study
Etymology
壻 combines 土 (earth) with 胥, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is a variant form of 婿.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 土 suggests a foundation, and the right side 胥 looks like a person settling in. Picture a son-in-law becoming part of the family's foundation.
Reading mnemonic
For セイ, imagine a son-in-law saying 'say' yes to joining the family: say -> セイ.