杉
Mnemonic
A tree with an unmistakable hairstyle — its dense, spiky needles sweep upward like a perfectly styled pompadour. This is the cedar. Rows of them line misty temple paths, each tree flaunting the same dramatic hairstyle, like nature's most fashion-conscious tree.
Additional thoughts
Japanese cedars have distinctively pointed, upswept foliage that genuinely resembles a dramatic hairstyle. Picture walking a temple approach flanked by towering trees whose crowns look freshly styled.Quick recall
The tree with the spiky hairstyle is the iconic cedar.Details
The keyword for 杉 is cedar. This kanji refers to the Japanese cedar tree (*Cryptomeria japonica*), known as *sugi* in Japanese, which is one of the most iconic and widely planted trees in Japan. These tall, straight evergreen conifers are commonly found lining temple approaches and mountain forests throughout the country. The Japanese cedar holds deep cultural significance and is valued both for its timber and its majestic appearance.
- On'yomi
- さん
- Kun'yomi
- すぎ