殣
die, death, to starve to death
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- キン
Kun'yomi
- うえじ.に
Meaning
殣 centers on death, especially dying from starvation or extreme deprivation. The meanings 'die' and 'death' are the broad concept, while 'to starve to death' is a specific, severe application.
Study
Etymology
殣 combines 歹 (death, decay) with 堇, which likely contributes the sound. The character is associated with dying from hunger or hardship.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 歹 represents death or decay, and the right side 堇 looks like a person bent over in suffering. Picture someone collapsing from starvation, their body giving out.
Reading mnemonic
For キン, imagine a person so hungry they can only think of a single kin (family member) they wish could save them from starving to death: kin -> キン.