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Kotomora

楠

camphor tree

JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 2,000Strokes13

Readings

On'yomi

  • ナン
  • ダン
  • ゼン
  • ネン

Kun'yomi

  • くす
  • くすのき

Nanori

  • くず
  • な

Meaning

楠 centers on the camphor tree, a specific large evergreen tree known for its aromatic wood and camphor oil.

Most common words using 楠

  • 石楠花しゃくなげ

    rhododendron

  • 本石楠花ほんしゃくなげ

    Rhododendron metternichii

  • 東石楠花あずましゃくなげ

    Azuma rhododendron (Rhododendron metternichii var.)

  • 白山石楠花はくさんしゃくなげ

    Hakusan rhododendron (Rhododendron metternichii var.)

  • 筑紫石楠花つくししゃくなげ

    Tsukushi rhododendron (Rhododendron metternichii var.)

  • 黄花石楠花きばなしゃくなげ

    Kibana rhododendron (Rhododendron metternichii var.)

Explore all words using 楠 →

Study

Etymology

楠 combines 木 (tree) with 南, which likely contributes the sound. The character specifically names the camphor tree.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side is a tree 木, and the right side 南 (south) hints at a warm southern tree. Picture a large camphor tree growing in the south.

Reading mnemonic

For ナン, imagine a camphor tree in the south (南, なん) with a nun resting under it: nun -> ナン, and the southern tree is a camphor tree.