Mnemonic
You heap earth into a towering wall around your property. A flag waves proudly on top, warning all trespassers to stay away. A gate is set into the wall — the only way through. Together they form a mighty fence that guards everything you own.
Additional thoughts
Picture a traditional Japanese estate: packed-earth walls topped with tile, a cloth flag snapping in the wind above, and a heavy wooden gate. The fence is solid, permanent, imposing — earth gives it strength, the flag declares ownership, the gate controls access.Quick recall
Earth walls, a flag on top, and a gate through them make one imposing fence.Details
The keyword for 塀 is fence. This kanji refers specifically to a wall or fence that encloses a property, such as the solid walls commonly seen surrounding traditional Japanese homes, temples, and gardens. Unlike a simple railing or hedge, 塀 typically implies a sturdy, permanent structure made of materials like earth, stone, or wood that serves as a boundary and provides privacy or security.
- On'yomi
- へい、べい