獏
tapir
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- バク
- ミャク
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
獏 refers specifically to the tapir, a large browsing mammal with a short trunk. In Japanese folklore, the same character names the baku, a dream-eating spirit, but that sense is not listed in the given meanings.
Most common words using 獏
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Etymology
獏 combines the animal radical 犭 with the phonetic component 莫, which likely contributed the sound バク. The character was originally used for a mythical beast and later applied to the tapir.
Meaning mnemonic
The animal radical 犭 hints at a beast, and the right side 莫 looks like a creature with a big head and legs. Picture a tapir's distinctive snout and sturdy body.
Reading mnemonic
For バク, imagine a tapir backing slowly into the forest: back -> バク, and the tapir's rear end disappears into the trees.