畸
difference, strange, cripple
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
—
Meaning
畸 centers on deviation from the norm: something different, strange, or physically impaired. The meanings 'difference', 'strange', and 'cripple' all express a departure from what is ordinary or whole.
Study
Etymology
畸 combines 田 (field) with 奇 (strange, odd). The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character likely expresses the idea of an irregular or abnormal field, extending to general oddness or physical deformity.
Meaning mnemonic
A strange 奇 field 田 is one that is different from the rest—perhaps misshapen or barren. This odd field represents something that deviates from the norm, like a crippled or strange thing.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, imagine a key that opens a strange, misshapen field: key -> キ, and the key reveals the oddity of the field.