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Kotomora

齗

gums (of the teeth), to dispute

Strokes19

Readings

On'yomi

  • キン

Kun'yomi

  • はぐき

Meaning

齗 centers on the gums as the fleshy tissue surrounding the teeth. The meaning 'to dispute' is a separate, likely extended sense related to baring the gums in argument, but the primary concrete meaning is gums.

Study

Etymology

齗 combines 齒 (tooth) with 斤, which likely provides the sound. The original meaning is gums, with 'dispute' possibly arising from a metaphorical extension.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 齒 shows teeth, and the right side 斤 looks like an axe. Imagine the gums as the tough tissue that holds the teeth in place, like an axe handle holds the blade.

Reading mnemonic

For キン, picture a king (キン) with a toothy grin, his gums showing as he disputes a claim. King -> キン.