殆
almost, quite, really
Readings
On'yomi
- タイ
- サイ
Kun'yomi
- ほとほと
- ほとん.ど
- あやうい
Meaning
殆 centers on being at the edge of completeness: almost, nearly, or quite. It can also describe a situation that is really or extremely close to a limit.
Most common words using 殆
- 殆どほとんどN4
almost; nearly; mostly; practically; virtually; basically; just about; all but
- 殆ほとほとN1
quite; utterly; really; completely
- 危殆きたい
danger; jeopardy; distress
- 危殆に瀕するきたいにひんする
to face danger; to fall into crisis
- 彼を知り己を知れば、百戦殆からずかれをしりおのれをしれば、ひゃくせんあやうからず
if you know your enemy and know yourself, in a hundred battles you will never be defeated; know your enemy
- 殆どないほとんどない
hardly any; almost nonexistent; very little
Study
Etymology
殆 combines 歹 (death/danger) with 台, which likely contributes the sound. The idea of being near death or danger may have led to the sense of 'almost' or 'nearly'.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 歹 suggests danger or death, and the right side 台 looks like a platform. Imagine standing on a dangerous platform, almost falling off—you are nearly at the edge.
Reading mnemonic
For タイ, picture a tie holding you back from the edge: tie -> タイ, and you are almost falling but the tie keeps you safe.