扭
turn, twist, wrench, seize, grasp
Strokes7
Readings
On'yomi
- ジュウ
- ニュ
- チュウ
- チュ
Kun'yomi
- ねじまわ.す
Meaning
扭 centers on applying rotational force with the hand: turning, twisting, or wrenching something. The seize and grasp senses extend naturally from the idea of gripping something firmly to twist it.
Study
Etymology
扭 combines 扌 (hand) with 丑, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to twisting or bending. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The hand radical 扌 beside 丑 suggests a hand gripping and twisting something. Picture a hand turning a stubborn lid with a wrenching motion.
Reading mnemonic
For ジュウ, imagine a jeweler twisting a ring into shape: jew -> ジュウ, and the hand 扌 is doing the twisting.