芟
cut, clip, trim, harvest, mow
Strokes7
Readings
On'yomi
- セン
- サン
Kun'yomi
- か.る
Meaning
芟 centers on cutting vegetation: clipping, trimming, mowing, or harvesting plants. The meanings all involve using a blade to remove or shorten plant growth.
Most common words using 芟
- 芟除さんじょ
cutting away
Study
Etymology
芟 combines the plant radical 艹 with 殳, a component associated with striking or a weapon. The structure suggests cutting plants with a tool, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 艹 is grass, and the bottom 殳 looks like a hand holding a tool. Imagine using a sharp tool to cut down overgrown grass: clipping, trimming, and mowing.
Reading mnemonic
For セン, picture a sharp scythe cutting through a field of grass: the scythe's sound cues セン as it harvests the crop.