玻
glass
Readings
On'yomi
- ハ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
玻 centers on glass as a material, often appearing in compounds for glass or crystal-like substances.
Most common words using 玻
- 玻璃はり
quartz
- 浄玻璃じょうはり
fine crystal; clear glass
- 浄玻璃の鏡じょうはりのかがみ
mirror found in hell in Enma's chamber that allows people to see their good and bad deeds
- 玻璃器はりき
glassware
- 玻璃長石はりちょうせき
sanidine
- 瑠璃も玻璃も照らせば光るるりもはりもてらせばひかる
cream rises to the top; great talent will stand out anywhere; lapis lazuli and crystals shine when lit up
- 瑠璃も玻璃も照らせば分かるるりもはりもてらせばわかる
cream rises to the top; great talent will stand out anywhere; you realize what things are lapis lazuli and crystal when they are lit up
Study
Etymology
玻 combines 王 (jade/stone) with 皮, which likely contributes the sound. The character was created to represent glass, a material similar to jade but with a different sound.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 王 suggests a precious stone or material, and the right side 皮 (skin) hints at a smooth, skin-like surface. Together they evoke glass: a smooth, jewel-like material.
Reading mnemonic
For ハ, imagine a glass laughing: 'Ha!' The sound 'ha' cues ハ, and the glass is the subject.