箴
warning, counsel, presept, needle
Strokes15
Readings
On'yomi
- シン
Kun'yomi
- いまし.める
- はり
Meaning
箴 centers on a pointed corrective message: a warning, counsel, or precept that pierces like a needle to guide behavior.
Most common words using 箴
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Etymology
箴 combines 竹 (bamboo) and 咸, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to a piercing or admonishing sense. Historically, bamboo was used for needles or writing slips, fitting the needle and warning meanings.
Meaning mnemonic
Bamboo (竹) can be sharpened into a needle, and the bottom part (咸) looks like a mouth with a weapon, as if a sharp verbal warning is being given.
Reading mnemonic
For シン, imagine a thin bamboo needle giving a sharp warning: thin -> シン, and the needle pierces the conscience.