鑿
chisel
Readings
On'yomi
- サク
Kun'yomi
- のみ
- うが.つ
Meaning
鑿 centers on a tool for cutting or shaping hard material: a chisel. The meaning is straightforward and specific to this tool.
Most common words using 鑿
- 円鑿方枘えんさくほうぜい
round peg in a square hole
- 平鑿ひらのみ
flat chisel
- 斧鑿ふさく
lucubration; elaboration; chisel and ax
- 穿鑿せんさく
probing (into); digging (into); prying (into); scrutiny; poking one's nose into; poking around
- 鎬鑿しのぎのみ
chisel for making dovetail joints
- 鑿のみ
chisel
- 鑿と言えば槌のみといえばつち
one should do more than what is literally being asked for; when told (to bring) the chisel, (also bring) the mallet
Study
Etymology
鑿 combines 金 (metal) with a phonetic component that historically represented the sound and possibly the action of chiseling. The exact origin of the upper part is uncertain, but the character clearly indicates a metal tool.
Meaning mnemonic
The bottom is 金 (metal), and the upper part looks like a heavy tool with a handle and a striking surface. Picture a metal chisel being hammered into stone.
Reading mnemonic
For サク, imagine a sack of metal chisels: sack -> サク, and each chisel is made of 金.