款
goodwill, article, section, friendship, collusion
Readings
On'yomi
- カン
Kun'yomi
—
Nanori
- まさ
Meaning
款 centers on a positive interpersonal connection: goodwill, friendship, or a bond of trust. The senses of article, section, and collusion extend from formal agreements or clauses that arise from such relationships.
Most common words using 款
- 定款ていかん
articles of incorporation; company statute
- 約款やっかん
agreement; stipulation; article; clause
- 借款しゃっかん
loan (esp. between governments)
- 款かん
title; heading; article
- 落款らっかん
signature and seal (on calligraphy, paintings, etc.)
- 仮定款かりていかん
provisional articles of incorporation
- 円借款えんしゃっかん
international yen loan
- 条款じょうかん
stipulation; article; clause; provision
- 款を通ずるかんをつうずる
to communicate secretly; to form a close friendship
- 款冬かんとう
giant butterbur (Petasites japonicus)
- 長期借款ちょうきしゃっかん
long-term credit; long-term loan
Study
Etymology
款 combines 欠 (originally depicting a person with an open mouth, suggesting expression or breath) with a left side that likely contributed sound and the idea of sincerity or agreement. The exact historical development of the left component is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side looks like a formal document with sections (士 over 示), and the right side 欠 suggests a person expressing goodwill. Imagine signing a friendship agreement clause by clause.
Reading mnemonic
For カン, picture a can of goodwill being shared between friends: can -> カン, and the can represents the bond of friendship.