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Kotomora

轗

difficulty, misfortune

Strokes20

Readings

On'yomi

  • カン
  • コン

Kun'yomi

—

Meaning

轗 centers on hardship and bad luck: difficulty and misfortune. The meanings are closely linked, both describing an adverse, unlucky state.

Most common words using 轗

  • 轗軻かんか

    separation from the world

  • 轗軻不遇かんかふぐう

    being neglected by the world; being denied one's deserved recognition and status

Explore all words using 轗 →

Study

Etymology

轗 combines 車 (vehicle) with 感, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development of the meaning 'difficulty, misfortune' is uncertain, but it may relate to a vehicle encountering rough terrain.

Meaning mnemonic

A vehicle (車) that feels (感) every bump on a rough road experiences difficulty and misfortune. Imagine an old cart struggling along a rocky path.

Reading mnemonic

For カン, picture a can (カン) tied to the back of a bumpy cart, rattling with every misfortune: can -> カン.