琪
type of jade
Strokes12
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
- たま
Meaning
琪 centers on a specific type of jade, a precious ornamental stone. Its meaning is narrow and concrete, referring to a particular variety of jade rather than a broad abstract concept.
Study
Etymology
琪 combines 王 (jade) with 其, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The character is used for a type of jade, with the jade radical indicating the material category.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 王 (jade) tells you it's a precious stone, and the right side 其 looks like a decorative stand. Picture a specific piece of jade displayed on an ornate stand: 琪 is that type of jade.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, imagine a key made of jade: key -> キ, and this special jade key unlocks a treasure box.