炬
torch, signal fire
Readings
On'yomi
- コ
- キョ
Kun'yomi
—
Nanori
- たい
Meaning
炬 centers on a portable open flame used for light or signaling: a torch or signal fire.
Most common words using 炬
- 炬燵こたつN1
kotatsu; table over an electric heater, with a hanging quilt to retain heat (orig. over a charcoal brazier in a floor well)
- 春炬燵はるごたつ
kotatsu not put away but used in spring
- 炬きょ
torch
- 炬火きょか
pine torch; torchlight; firebrand
- 炬燵やぐらこたつやぐら
square latticed wooden frame for a kotatsu
- 炬燵テーブルこたつテーブル
(electric) kotatsu table
- 炬燵掛けこたつがけ
futon or cloth attached to the kotatsu's frame; cover for kotatsu
Study
Etymology
炬 combines 火 (fire) with 巨, which likely contributes the sound. The character expresses a fire-based light source such as a torch.
Meaning mnemonic
Fire 火 beside a giant 巨 shape: picture a giant torch blazing, used as a signal fire.
Reading mnemonic
For コ, imagine a small child holding a torch: 子 (こ, child) -> コ, and the child waves the signal fire.