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Kotomora

踞

crouch, cower

Strokes15

Readings

On'yomi

  • キョ
  • コ

Kun'yomi

  • うずく.まる

Meaning

踞 centers on lowering the body into a defensive or resting posture: crouching down or cowering in fear.

Most common words using 踞

  • 箕踞ききょ

    sitting with one's legs outstretched

  • 蟠踞ばんきょ

    becoming firmly established; putting down strong roots

  • 蹲踞そんきょ

    crouching; formal crouch performed at the beginning of a sumo or kendo match

Explore all words using 踞 →

Study

Etymology

踞 combines 足 (foot/leg) with 居, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of being settled or seated, suggesting a posture where the legs are bent close to the body.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 足 (foot/leg) and right side 居 (reside) together suggest legs folded under the body while staying in one spot, like crouching or cowering.

Reading mnemonic

For キョ, imagine a person crouching in a narrow kyo (invented sound) space, like a small closet: kyo -> キョ, and the cramped posture forces them to crouch.