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Kotomora

箐

to draw a bamboo bow or cross-bow

Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • セイ
  • ショウ
  • セン

Kun'yomi

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Meaning

箐 centers on the action of drawing a bamboo bow or crossbow, combining the material (bamboo) with the act of pulling back the string.

Study

Etymology

箐 combines 竹 (bamboo) with 青, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The character refers to a bamboo bow or crossbow, reflecting the material and the action of drawing it.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 竹 is bamboo, and the bottom 青 suggests a clear, taut line. Picture a bamboo bow being drawn back until the string is straight and clear.

Reading mnemonic

For セイ, imagine saying 'say' as you draw the bowstring back: 'say' -> セイ, and the bow is ready to shoot.