鯏
short necked clam, dace, chub, (kokuji)
Readings
On'yomi
—
Kun'yomi
- あさり
- うぐい
Meaning
鯏 is a kokuji (Japan-made kanji) that names specific aquatic creatures: a short-necked clam (あさり) and a type of fish, the dace or chub (うぐい). Its meaning is tied to these two distinct animals rather than a single abstract concept.
Study
Etymology
鯏 is a kokuji, a kanji created in Japan. It combines the fish radical 魚 with 利, likely chosen for its sound (リ) to represent the clam reading あさり and the fish reading うぐい. The exact reasoning behind the component choice is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The left side 魚 means fish, and the right side 利 suggests something sharp or advantageous. Picture a sharp-shelled clam that is advantageous to find, or a quick dace that benefits from its speed.
Reading mnemonic
For あさり, imagine a clam at the beach saying 'Ah, sorry!' (あさり) as it snaps shut when you try to pick it up. The sound 'asari' is the clam's apology.