郗
city under the Chou Dyn., surname
Strokes10
Readings
On'yomi
- チ
- キ
- ケ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
郗 is a rare kanji with two distinct uses: it names an ancient city from the Chou dynasty period, and it also functions as a surname. The meanings do not share a clear conceptual center beyond being a proper noun.
Study
Etymology
郗 combines 希 (rare, hope) with the city enclosure ⻏, suggesting a place name. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 希 suggests something rare, and the right side ⻏ marks a city. Picture a rare, ancient city whose name is now only a surname.
Reading mnemonic
For チ, imagine a rare ancient city named Chi, like the first part of Chicago, but older: Chi -> チ.