嵌
go into, plunge, inlay
Readings
On'yomi
- カン
Kun'yomi
- は.める
- は.まる
- あな
Meaning
嵌 centers on fitting one thing tightly into another: going into a space, plunging in, or setting an inlay. The idea is a snug insertion where the object becomes embedded.
Most common words using 嵌
- 嵌まるはまるN2
to fit; to get into; to go into; to be fitted with (e.g. door with a window)
- 嵌めるはめるN3
to fit (e.g. a pane into a frame); to insert (e.g. a cork); to fasten (a button)
- 象嵌ぞうがん
inlay; inlaying; damascening
- 嵌め込みはめこみ
insertion; inlaying
- ギプスを嵌めるギプスをはめる
to put in a (plaster) cast
- 嵌め木細工はめきざいく
inlaid woodwork
- 嵌入かんにゅう
setting in; inlaying; dovetailing
- 嵌合はめあい
fitting together (e.g. nuts and bolts); fit
- 嵌張カンチャン
wait for the middle tile of a chow
- 嵌張待ちカンチャンまち
wait for the middle tile of a three-in-a-row which will finish one's hand
- 嵌頓かんとん
incarceration (e.g. of a hernia); strangulation
- 箍を嵌めるたがをはめる
to hoop; to put a hoop on; to bind a barrel with hoops
Study
Etymology
嵌 combines 山 (mountain) with 甘 and 欠, but the historical development is uncertain. The modern form may be a simplified or variant shape, and the exact origin of the components is not clearly established.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture a mountain 山 with a deep crevice, and something sweet 甘 is wedged inside, like a candy stuck in a gap. The open mouth 欠 suggests the space where it fits tightly.
Reading mnemonic
For カン, imagine a can being plunged into a tight hole in the mountain: can -> カン, and it fits perfectly like an inlay.