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Kotomora

訾

bad-mouth, criticize, defects

Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • シ
  • セイ
  • サイ
  • ソ

Kun'yomi

  • つとめない
  • そし.る

Meaning

訾 centers on pointing out flaws through speech: bad-mouthing, criticizing, or focusing on defects. The idea is verbal fault-finding.

Study

Etymology

訾 combines 此 (this, here) and 言 (speech). The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character likely uses 此 for its sound and 言 to indicate verbal criticism or fault-finding.

Meaning mnemonic

The top part 此 looks like a pointing finger, and the bottom 言 is speech. Imagine someone pointing out defects with sharp words: that's bad-mouthing and criticizing.

Reading mnemonic

For シ, picture a critic pointing at a defect and saying 'See?': 'See' -> シ, as they bad-mouth the flaw.