絲
thread
Strokes12
Readings
On'yomi
- シ
Kun'yomi
- いと
Meaning
絲 centers on fine, twisted fibers used for sewing or weaving: a thread.
Most common words using 絲
- 青椒肉絲チンジャオロース
Chinese-style stir-fry containing green peppers and meat; pepper steak (US)
Study
Etymology
絲 is a doubling of 糸 (thread), reinforcing the idea of fine twisted fibers. The form visually represents multiple strands.
Meaning mnemonic
Two 糸 (thread) side by side: imagine twisting two thin strands together to make one strong thread.
Reading mnemonic
For シ, picture a single silk thread shimmering: the 'shi' in shimmering cues シ, and the thread glistens.