克
Mnemonic
Your older brother hauls a massive cross up a brutal hill. Sweat pours, legs buckle—but he refuses to fall. With a roar, he overcomes the impossible climb, planting that cross at the peak as proof that sheer will can overcome any obstacle.
Additional thoughts
Picture the cross sitting on top of older brother—just like the kanji structure (十 over 兄). The image of him struggling uphill with a cross on his back makes the composition and meaning stick.Quick recall
Older brother carries a cross uphill and overcomes the brutal climb.Details
The keyword for 克 is overcome. This kanji conveys the idea of conquering difficulties, prevailing over obstacles, or subduing challenges through effort and determination. It carries a sense of self-mastery and the ability to rise above adversity. In classical usage, it also implies the capacity to restrain oneself or to be victorious in a struggle.
- On'yomi
- こく
- Kun'yomi
- か.つ