also: つちのと
sixth sign of the Chinese sexagenary cycle; 6th in rank
Refers to the sixth celestial stem (己) in the traditional Chinese calendar system, often used in combination with earthly branches to form the sexagenary cycle. The reading つちのと is the native Japanese name; き is the Sino-Japanese reading.
This year is the year of the sixth celestial stem.
In the ten celestial stems, 己 corresponds to the sixth.
acquaintance; person one knows · close friend; intimate
self-restraint and propriety
Standard kanji for the sixth sexagenary sign; also read き in some contexts.
The character 己 originally depicted a thread or a cord, and its use as the sixth celestial stem is a conventional assignment in the ancient Chinese calendar system. The Japanese reading つちのと is of native origin, while き is the Sino-Japanese reading.