璧
sphere, ball
Readings
On'yomi
- ヘキ
Kun'yomi
- たま
Meaning
璧 centers on a precious round object: a jade sphere or ceremonial ball. The meanings 'sphere' and 'ball' both point to a valuable, perfectly shaped orb.
Most common words using 璧
- 完璧かんぺきN2
perfect; complete; flawless
- 双璧そうへき
(two) matchless things; (two) matchless people
- 璧へき
bi (ancient Chinese artifact; flat jade or glass disc with a circular hole in the centre)
- パー璧パーぺき
perfect
- 双璧をなすそうへきをなす
to be a match for; to rival; to be equal to
- 圭璧けいへき
ritual jades worn by feudal lords in ancient China
- 完璧主義かんぺきしゅぎ
perfectionism
- 完璧主義者かんぺきしゅぎしゃ
perfectionist
Study
Etymology
璧 combines 辟 (which likely contributes the sound) with 玉 (jade), indicating a jade disc or sphere. The exact historical development of 辟 within this character is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The bottom part 玉 is jade, and the top 辟 looks like a ruler or authority figure. Imagine a king holding a perfect jade ball as a symbol of power: 璧 is that precious sphere.
Reading mnemonic
For ヘキ, picture a heckler throwing a jade ball at a performer: heckle -> ヘキ, and the ball is a valuable sphere.