觿
bodkin made of ivory, horn
Strokes25
Readings
On'yomi
- ケイ
- エ
- スイ
- キ
Kun'yomi
- くじり
- つのぎり
Meaning
觿 refers to a specific tool: a bodkin or awl made from ivory or horn, used for piercing or untangling. The meanings are concrete and narrow, centered on this object.
Study
Etymology
觿 combines 角 (horn) with 巂, which likely contributes the sound. The character denotes a horn or ivory tool, but the exact historical development of the right component is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 角 means horn, and the right side 巂 looks like a complex tool with a bird-like top and a piercing lower part. Imagine a sharp horn bodkin used to untie knots.
Reading mnemonic
For ケイ, picture a horn bodkin shaped like the letter K, and you use it to make a neat hole: K -> ケイ.