羈
reins, connection
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
- ハ
Kun'yomi
- おもが.い
- たづな
- たび
- つな.ぐ
Meaning
羈 centers on physical restraint and the resulting bond: reins that control a horse, and by extension any connection that ties things together.
Most common words using 羈
- 不羈ふき
freedom; liberty; independence
- 不羈奔放ふきほんぽう
free-spirited and uninhibited
- 不羈独立ふきどくりつ
free and independent
- 奔放不羈ほんぽうふき
free-spirited and uninhibited
- 独立不羈どくりつふき
acting according to one's own beliefs, being undisturbed by others
- 狷介不羈けんかいふき
stubbornly sticking to one's own convictions; being stubbornly independent
- 羈絆きはん
fetters; shackles; restraints; bond; connection
- 羈縻きび
tying down; fastening; binding
Study
Etymology
羈 combines 罒 (net) with 䩻 (a component containing 革 leather and 馬 horse), suggesting a leather bridle or net-like reins used to control a horse.
Meaning mnemonic
A net 罒 is placed over a horse 馬 with leather straps 革, forming the reins that connect rider to horse.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, imagine holding the reins as a key connection: key -> キ, and the reins are the key link between you and the horse.