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Kotomora

筯

chop-sticks, tongs

Strokes13

Readings

On'yomi

  • チョ
  • ジョ

Kun'yomi

  • はし

Meaning

筯 centers on tools for gripping and lifting food: chopsticks and tongs. Both meanings share the idea of a paired utensil used to pick up and hold items.

Study

Etymology

筯 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 助 (help), suggesting bamboo tools that assist in eating. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component choice likely reflects the material and function of chopsticks.

Meaning mnemonic

Bamboo 竹 helps 助 you eat: picture a pair of bamboo chopsticks or tongs lifting food to your mouth.

Reading mnemonic

For チョ, imagine choosing (チョイス) your favorite pair of chopsticks from a drawer: チョイス -> チョ, and the bamboo tongs help you pick up the best piece.