Mnemonic
A beast on the left and a dog on the right stand guard at the prison gates. Between them, the judge's words of sentencing echo endlessly — no creature lets you pass, and no words can ever set you free.
Additional thoughts
The kanji literally sandwiches 'words' (言) between 'beast' (犭) and 'dog' (犬). Picture two snarling animals flanking a stone tablet of judgment — that enclosed space IS the prison.Quick recall
A beast and a dog flank the judge's words, forming the walls of prison.Details
The keyword for 獄 is prison. This kanji refers to a place of incarceration or confinement where criminals are held, equivalent to a jail or penitentiary. It can also extend to mean a legal case or lawsuit in classical usage, reflecting the broader judicial process of trying and punishing offenders. The character conveys the gravity of punishment and the restriction of freedom imposed by the justice system.
- On'yomi
- ごく