Mnemonic
A postman arrives at the temple with a sacred scroll to deliver, but the gates are shut and monks are chanting inside. He must wait. Hours pass. He sits cross-legged on the stone steps, waiting so long he practically becomes a monk himself—still clutching the scroll.
Additional thoughts
Picture the postman in uniform awkwardly meditating on temple steps, package in lap. The longer the wait, the more monk-like he becomes. The humor of a delivery guy forced into monastic patience cements the meaning.Quick recall
The postman sits at the temple gates, forced to wait so long he nearly becomes a monk.Details
The keyword for 待 is wait. This kanji conveys the idea of waiting for someone or something, whether patiently or expectantly. It encompasses all forms of waiting, from anticipating a guest's arrival to standing by for an event to occur. The character also carries the nuance of treating or receiving someone, as in the hospitality one extends while awaiting a visitor.
- On'yomi
- たい
- Kun'yomi
- ま.つ、-ま.ち