綯
twist, make rope
Readings
On'yomi
- トウ
Kun'yomi
- な.う
- なわ
- よ.る
Meaning
綯 centers on twisting fibers together to create a single strong cord: making rope or string by intertwining strands.
Most common words using 綯
- 泥棒を捕らえて縄を綯うどろぼうをとらえてなわをなう
starting something in the eleventh hour; have not thy cloak to make when it begins to rain; don't lock the stable door after the horse has been stolen; braiding the rope only after the thief is caught
- 綯うなう
to twine (fibers to make rope); to twist
Study
Etymology
綯 combines 糸 (thread) with 匋, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to shaping or forming, together suggesting twisting threads into rope.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 糸 is thread, and the right side 匋 looks like a potter shaping clay. Imagine twisting many threads together as a potter shapes clay, forming a strong rope.
Reading mnemonic
For トウ, picture twisting a rope so tight it makes a toe-curling tension: toe -> トウ, and the rope is twisted firmly.