辭
words, speech, expression, phrase
Strokes19
Readings
On'yomi
- ジ
Kun'yomi
- や.める
Meaning
辭 centers on language used deliberately: words, speech, expressions, or phrases chosen to convey meaning.
Study
Etymology
辭 is the traditional form of 辞. It combines 辛 (a needle-like tool, associated with precision or punishment) with a left side that historically relates to sorting or governing, together suggesting careful articulation of words.
Meaning mnemonic
The right side 辛 looks like a sharp tool, and the left side resembles hands (爪 and 又) working with something. Imagine using careful hands and a sharp tool to carve precise words and phrases.
Reading mnemonic
For ジ, picture a speech where every word is a gem: gem -> ジ, and the speaker carefully chooses each phrase.