砦
fort, stronghold, entrenchments
StatusJinmeiyōFrequencyTop 5,000Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- サイ
Kun'yomi
- とりで
Meaning
砦 centers on a defensive military position: a fort, stronghold, or entrenched camp built to resist attack.
Most common words using 砦
- 砦とりで
fort; fortress; stronghold; fortification
- タイコンデロガ砦包囲戦タイコンデロガとりでほういせん
Siege of Fort Ticonderoga (1777)
- 砦を落とすとりでをおとす
to capture a fort
- 鹿砦ろくさい
abatis
Study
Etymology
砦 combines 此 (originally a footprint or here) with 石 (stone), suggesting a stone-built defensive position. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 此 looks like a footprint standing firm, and the bottom 石 is stone. Picture a stone fort where defenders plant their feet and hold the line.
Reading mnemonic
For サイ, imagine a fort under siege, and the defenders sigh with relief when reinforcements arrive: sigh -> サイ, as they hold the stone stronghold.