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Kotomora

銜

horse's bit

Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • カン

Kun'yomi

  • くつわ
  • くわ.える

Meaning

銜 centers on the metal bit placed in a horse's mouth for control. The meaning is specific to this equestrian tool.

Most common words using 銜

  • 馬銜はみ

    bit (mouthpiece)

  • 枚を銜むばいをふくむ

    to gag (a horse)

  • 横銜えよこぐわえ

    holding horizontally in one's mouth; holding on the side of one's mouth

  • 銜え箸くわえばし

    holding one's chopsticks in one's mouth (a breach of etiquette)

Explore all words using 銜 →

Study

Etymology

銜 combines 金 (metal) and 行 (to go, move), suggesting a metal device used while moving—a horse's bit. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component combination fits the meaning.

Meaning mnemonic

Picture a metal (金) bit that goes (行) into a horse's mouth, controlling its movement. The outer 行 wraps around the inner 金 like the bit sits within the horse's mouth.

Reading mnemonic

For カン, imagine a can (カン) of metal bits used for horses. The metal can holds the bits, and the sound 'can' directly cues カン.