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Kotomora

瑟

large koto

Strokes13

Readings

On'yomi

  • シツ

Kun'yomi

  • おおごと

Meaning

瑟 refers to a large, ancient stringed instrument similar to a koto, known for its rich, resonant sound.

Most common words using 瑟

  • 琴瑟きんしつ

    qin and se (two different kinds of Chinese zither)

  • 琴瑟相和きんしつそうわ

    pair of persons (especially a married couple) being intimate and harmonious; being happily married

  • 琴瑟相和すきんしつあいわす

    to be happily married; to go together like two zithers

  • 瑟しつ

    se (ancient Chinese plucked zither, usu. with 25 or 23 strings)

Explore all words using 瑟 →

Study

Etymology

瑟 combines 玨 (two pieces of jade, suggesting precious stone chimes) with 必, which may have contributed a phonetic element. The character originally depicted a large zither-like instrument with many strings.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 玨 looks like two jade stone chimes, and the bottom 必 resembles the body and strings of a large instrument. Picture a grand koto made of jade, producing deep, resonant tones.

Reading mnemonic

For シツ, imagine sitting down to play the large koto: sit -> シツ, as you sit and pluck the strings.