瑁
ancient Chinese imperial jewels
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- マイ
- バイ
- ボウ
- モウ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
瑁 refers to a specific type of ancient Chinese imperial jewel or ceremonial jade object. Its meaning is narrow and tied to historical court regalia.
Most common words using 瑁
- 玳瑁たいまい
hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Study
Etymology
瑁 combines 王 (jade) with 冒, which likely provides the sound. It originally denoted a specific jade ornament used in ancient Chinese imperial ceremonies.
Meaning mnemonic
The jade radical 王 on the left shows this is a precious stone. The right side 冒 suggests something covering or adorning the head, like an imperial jewel set in a crown.
Reading mnemonic
For マイ, picture a majestic imperial jewel shining like a bright May sun: May -> マイ, and the jewel gleams in the crown.