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Kotomora

龕

alcove for an image

Strokes22

Readings

On'yomi

  • カン
  • ガン

Kun'yomi

  • れい

Meaning

龕 centers on a small recessed space, specifically an alcove used to house a sacred image or object.

Most common words using 龕

  • 壁龕へきがん

    niche (in Western architecture)

  • 起龕きがん

    ceremonial removal of the coffin from the house (lay person) or temple (priest) (Zen Buddhism)

  • 龕がん

    niche for a Buddhist image; alcove

  • 龕像がんぞう

    Buddha figure carved into a rock

  • 龕屋がんや

    place to store a body in a coffin before burial (Okinawa)

  • 龕灯がんどう

    Buddhist altar light

Explore all words using 龕 →

Study

Etymology

龕 combines 合 (to fit together, join) with 龍 (dragon), likely suggesting a container or enclosure that holds something precious, like a dragon in a shrine. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

Picture a dragon (龍) fitting snugly (合) into a small alcove on a temple wall, guarding a sacred image inside.

Reading mnemonic

For カン, imagine a can (カン) placed inside the alcove as an offering to the dragon: can -> カン, and the alcove holds it.