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Kotomora

篙

pole used punt boat

Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • コウ

Kun'yomi

  • さお

Meaning

篙 centers on a long pole used to propel or steer a boat by pushing against the riverbed or seabed.

Study

Etymology

篙 combines 竹 (bamboo) and 高 (tall), suggesting a tall bamboo pole. The character likely originated as a phono-semantic compound with 高 contributing the sound.

Meaning mnemonic

The top is bamboo 竹 and the bottom is tall 高. Picture a tall bamboo pole used to push a boat through shallow water.

Reading mnemonic

For コウ, imagine a boatman calling out 'Go!' as he pushes the pole: 'Go!' -> コウ, and the tall bamboo pole moves the boat forward.