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Kotomora

杻

ligustrum sinenese, tree

Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • チュウ
  • チュ
  • シュウ
  • ニュ

Kun'yomi

  • てかせ

Meaning

杻 refers to a specific type of tree, identified as Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet). Its meaning is narrow and botanical, with no clear broader conceptual center beyond the tree itself.

Study

Etymology

杻 combines 木 (tree) with 丑, which likely serves as a phonetic component. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

The tree radical 木 beside 丑 suggests a specific tree. Picture a twisted, gnarled privet tree with a shape that reminds you of the character 丑.

Reading mnemonic

For チュウ, imagine chewing a leaf from this tree: chew -> チュウ, and the privet leaf has a distinctive taste.