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Kotomora

隸

servant, prisoner, criminal, follower

Strokes17

Readings

On'yomi

  • レイ

Kun'yomi

  • したが.う
  • しもべ

Meaning

隸 centers on a person in a subordinate or controlled position: a servant, follower, prisoner, or criminal. The meanings share the idea of being bound to another's authority.

Study

Etymology

隸 combines 柰 (a tree or fruit) with 隶 (to reach, capture). The historical development likely relates to capturing or attaching, giving the sense of a subordinate or prisoner. The exact origin is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 柰 looks like a tree with fruit, and the right side 隶 suggests reaching or capturing. Imagine a servant reaching up to pick fruit for their master, bound to follow orders.

Reading mnemonic

For レイ, picture a servant laying out fruit on a tray: lay -> レイ, and the servant follows the command to serve.