玃
large ape found in W. China
Strokes23
Readings
On'yomi
- キャク
- カク
- ケキ
- ク
- ワク
Kun'yomi
- おおざる
Meaning
玃 refers to a specific kind of large ape said to be found in western China. Its meaning is narrow and zoological, with no common abstract extensions.
Study
Etymology
玃 combines 犭 (animal) with 矍, which likely contributes sound and possibly a sense of looking around alertly, fitting a large ape. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The animal radical 犭 beside 矍 (which looks like a pair of watchful eyes 目 above a hand 又 and a bird 隹) suggests a large, alert ape peering through the trees.
Reading mnemonic
For キャク, imagine a large ape making a loud 'kyak' sound as it swings through the forest: kyak -> キャク.