跪
kneel
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
- ひざまず.く
Meaning
跪 centers on the act of kneeling, specifically the formal posture of lowering oneself onto one's knees, often in respect or submission.
Most common words using 跪
- 跪くひざまずくN1
to kneel (in respect); to genuflect
- 拝跪はいき
kneeling down (to pray); going down on one's knees
- 跪けひざまずけ
kneeling
- 跪座きざ
kneeling with the balls of the feet on the floor and sitting on one's heels
- 跪拝きはい
kneeling and worshipping; worshipping on one's knees
- 長跪ちょうき
way of sitting by placing both knees on the ground and standing upright
Study
Etymology
跪 combines 足 (foot/leg) with 危, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a precarious or bent posture. The character specifically denotes kneeling.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 足 represents the leg, and the right side 危 looks like a person bending down. Imagine someone bending their legs to kneel on the ground.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, picture a person kneeling to receive a key: key -> キ, and they kneel in respect as they accept it.