或
some, one, or, possibly, a certain
Readings
On'yomi
- ワク
- コク
- イキ
Kun'yomi
- あ.る
- あるい
- あるいは
Meaning
或 centers on indefinite reference: a certain unspecified person or thing, some one among possibilities, or the logical alternative 'or'. The meanings 'possibly' and 'a certain' are natural extensions of this idea of uncertainty or selection.
Most common words using 或
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Etymology
或 originally depicted a territory or region, combining 戈 (halberd) with 口 (enclosure), and later came to be used for the indefinite pronoun 'some' or 'or'. The modern form retains these components.
Meaning mnemonic
Imagine a halberd 戈 guarding an enclosed area 口, but you're not sure which area—it could be some place, or possibly a certain one. The uncertainty of the guarded spot gives 或 its sense of 'some' or 'or'.
Reading mnemonic
For ワク, picture a vague, wacky choice: you have to pick some option, but they all seem wacky. Wacky -> ワク, and the kanji is all about uncertain selection.