閤
small side gate
Readings
On'yomi
- コウ
Kun'yomi
- くぐりど
Meaning
閤 refers to a small side gate, a secondary entrance distinct from the main gate.
Most common words using 閤
- 太閤たいこう
taikō (esp. Toyotomi Hideyoshi); title for a regent, later for the grand chancellor, also for the father of an Imperial adviser (advisor) who passed the role to his son
- 太閤検地たいこうけんち
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's nationwide land survey (1582)
- 太閤碁たいこうご
mirror go (as black); opening strategy of symmetrically copying every move of the opponent, starting with tengen
- 豊太閤ほうたいこう
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
- 閨閤けいこう
sleeping quarters; bedroom
Study
Etymology
閤 combines 門 (gate) with 合 (join, fit), suggesting a gate that is joined or attached to a main structure, hence a side gate.
Meaning mnemonic
Inside the gate 門, the component 合 (join) suggests a small gate joined to the side of a larger gate or wall.
Reading mnemonic
For コウ, imagine a small side gate that leads to a cozy courtyard: cozy gate -> コウ.