欟
keyaki, zelkova tree, (kokuji)
Strokes28
Readings
On'yomi
—
Kun'yomi
- つき
Meaning
欟 is a Japanese-made kanji (kokuji) that refers specifically to the keyaki tree, also known as the Japanese zelkova. Its meaning is narrow and concrete: the tree itself.
Study
Etymology
欟 is a kokuji created in Japan by combining 木 (tree) with 觀 (view, observe), likely to name the keyaki tree. The exact reasoning behind the choice of 觀 is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 木 tells you it's a tree. The right side 觀 suggests looking at or observing—imagine a distinctive tree you'd point out and admire, the keyaki.
Reading mnemonic
For つき, picture the keyaki tree glowing under the moon (月, つき). The moon's light (つき) helps you remember the reading つき.