蠟
wax, candle, waxy, glazed
StatusJinmeiyōStrokes21
Readings
On'yomi
- ロウ
Kun'yomi
- みつろう
- ろうそく
Meaning
蠟 centers on a waxy substance, typically from insects, used for candles, glazes, or coatings. The meanings all relate to wax or a waxy quality.
Most common words using 蠟
- 魚蠟ぎょろう
wax made from fish oil; marine wax esters
Study
Etymology
蠟 combines 虫 (insect) with 巤, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to insect wax, such as beeswax.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 虫 (insect) hints at the source: bees or other insects producing wax. The right side 巤 looks like a complex container, like a candle mold. Together, insect wax molded into a candle.
Reading mnemonic
For ロウ, imagine a low-burning candle made of wax: low -> ロウ, and the wax candle glows softly.