竟
end, finally
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- キョウ
- ケイ
Kun'yomi
- おわ.る
- ついに
- わた.る
Meaning
竟 centers on reaching a final point: the end of a process, or something happening at last. The meanings 'end' and 'finally' are two sides of the same idea of closure.
Most common words using 竟
Study
Etymology
竟 is thought to combine 音 (sound) and 儿 (person), originally suggesting a person finishing a musical performance, hence the idea of ending or finality. The modern form stacks 立, 日, and 儿.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 立 (stand) over 日 (sun) and 儿 (legs) suggests standing at the end of the day, when everything finally comes to a close.
Reading mnemonic
For キョウ, imagine the end of a long journey in Kyoto (キョウト): Kyoto -> キョウ, and arriving there finally ends the trip.