轡
bit (horse)
Strokes22
Readings
On'yomi
- ヒ
Kun'yomi
- くつわ
- たづな
Meaning
轡 refers specifically to a horse's bit, the metal mouthpiece used with reins to control a horse.
Most common words using 轡
Study
Etymology
轡 combines 車 (vehicle/cart) with 口 (mouth) and 糸 (thread/string), suggesting a mouthpiece connected by reins to a cart. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the components fit the meaning of a horse's bit.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side shows a cart (車) with threads (糸) leading to a mouth (口) on the right. Picture the reins running from the cart to the metal bit in the horse's mouth.
Reading mnemonic
For ヒ, imagine the horse heaving against the bit: heave -> ヒ, as the bit pulls in its mouth.