笥
lunch box, clothes chest
Readings
On'yomi
- ス
- シ
Kun'yomi
- け
- はこ
Meaning
笥 centers on a container made of bamboo or similar material, used for storing items like food or clothing. The given meanings—lunch box and clothes chest—are specific types of such containers.
Most common words using 笥
- 箪笥たんすN2
chest of drawers; bureau; cabinet; tansu; dresser
- 笥け
container (esp. for food)
- ベビー箪笥ベビーだんす
small-sized wardrobe
- 宮笥みやげ
box for a shrine or temple amulet
- 櫛笥くしげ
toiletries case
- 碁笥ごけ
goke; bowl for go-stones
- 茶箪笥ちゃだんす
tea cabinet; cupboard for tea implements
- 衣装箪笥いしょうだんす
wardrobe
- 階段箪笥かいだんたんす
chest of drawers that also function as stairs
Study
Etymology
笥 combines 竹 (bamboo) and 司, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The character originally referred to a bamboo container or box.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 竹 is bamboo, and the bottom 司 looks like a sturdy box with a lid. Picture a woven bamboo lunch box or a chest for storing clothes.
Reading mnemonic
For ス, imagine a bamboo lunch box so well-made that it's 'sue'-perb: sue -> ス, and the box keeps your lunch fresh.