錄
copy, write down, record
StatusJinmeiyō (variant)Strokes16
Readings
On'yomi
- ロク
- リョ
Kun'yomi
- しるす
Meaning
錄 centers on capturing information in a lasting form: copying, writing down, or recording something so it can be kept or shared.
Study
Etymology
錄 combines 金 (metal) with 彔, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of carving or inscribing. The character originally referred to recording by engraving on metal, later extended to writing and copying in general.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 金 suggests metal, and the right side 彔 looks like a stylus carving lines. Picture a metal stylus scratching records into a bronze tablet: 錄 is copying and recording.
Reading mnemonic
For ロク, imagine a scribe locking a record into a metal archive: lock -> ロク, and the metal stylus 金 locks the information into place.