笈

backpack bookcase

StatusJinmeiyōStrokes9

Readings

On'yomi

キュウ

Kun'yomi

—

Nanori

おい

Meaning

笈 centers on a portable container for carrying books or belongings, specifically a backpack-style bookcase used by traveling scholars or monks.

Most common words using 笈

笈おい
wooden box carried on one's back to store items for a pilgrimage
笈きゅう
box carried on one's back to store books
書笈しょきゅう
wooden box for carrying books on one's back; bookcase
笈を負うきゅうをおう
to leave one's hometown to study; to carry a case of books
笈摺おいずり
thin, sleeveless overgarment worn by pilgrims

Explore all words using 笈 →

Study

Etymology

笈 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 及, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a bamboo backpack or box for carrying books.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 竹 is bamboo, and the bottom 及 suggests reaching or extending. Picture a bamboo backpack that extends from your shoulders, carrying your books.

Reading mnemonic

For キュウ, imagine a student carrying a bamboo backpack full of books, and they let out a cute 'kyu!' sound when they finally set it down: kyu -> キュウ.