乞
Mnemonic
A writer dips a quill in ink and drafts two letters—one proud, one humble. The latter is stained with tears, penned on knees to beg a lord for food and shelter. Every stroke of that quill trembles with desperation, because the latter plea is all that stands between life and starvation.
Additional thoughts
Two letters, two tones: the contrast makes 'the latter' stick as the humble, begging one. Visualize a trembling quill writing a tear-soaked plea.Quick recall
Two letters from a quill—the latter is a desperate plea to beg for survival.Details
The keyword for 乞 is beg. This kanji represents the act of earnestly asking or pleading for something, often implying a humble or desperate request. It conveys the sense of entreating others for help, food, money, or mercy, and carries a nuance of supplication from a position of need or lower status.
- On'yomi
- こつ、きつ、き、きけ、こち
- Kun'yomi
- こ.う