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Kotomora

纛

flag, banner

Strokes25

Readings

On'yomi

  • トウ
  • トク

Kun'yomi

  • はたぼこ
  • おにがしら

Meaning

纛 centers on a large ceremonial flag or banner, especially one used in military or ritual contexts.

Most common words using 纛

  • 大纛たいとう

    large decorative black flagpole tassel made from tail hair (of a yak, horse, ox, etc.) or dyed hemp

  • 牙纛がとう

    flagstaff decorated with ivory carried by the emperor or a general

Explore all words using 纛 →

Study

Etymology

纛 combines 毒 (likely phonetic) with 縣 (suspended, hanging), suggesting a hanging banner or flag. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

The top 毒 looks like a decorated pole, and the bottom 縣 suggests something suspended. Picture a large banner hanging from a pole.

Reading mnemonic

For トウ, imagine a tall banner waving at the top of a tower: tower -> トウ.