韘
archer's thumb ring
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- ゆがけ
Meaning
韘 refers specifically to an archer's thumb ring, a protective ring worn on the thumb when drawing a bowstring.
Study
Etymology
韘 combines 韋 (leather) with 枼, which likely contributes the sound. The character originally referred to a leather thumb ring used in archery.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 韋 suggests leather, and the right side 枼 looks like a leaf-shaped object. Imagine a leather ring shaped like a leaf that an archer wears on the thumb.
Reading mnemonic
For ショウ, picture an archer showing off their leather thumb ring: show -> ショウ, and the ring is displayed proudly.