珠
Mnemonic
The king cracks open a vermilion-lacquered oyster shell and discovers a flawless pearl nestled inside. He lifts the pearl to the light — its glow outshines every gem in his crown. 'This single pearl,' the king whispers, 'is worth more than my entire kingdom.'
Additional thoughts
Picture the bold vermilion red of the shell contrasting with the luminous white pearl. The king's awe anchors the value. Vermilion = red cinnabar, a precious mineral itself, reinforcing the preciousness of what lies within.Quick recall
A king opens a vermilion shell to find a priceless pearl.Details
The keyword for 珠 is pearl. This kanji refers to a precious, round gem—specifically a pearl formed inside a shellfish, though it can also refer to any beautiful, spherical jewel. It carries connotations of something rare, valuable, and perfectly formed, often used metaphorically to describe something of exceptional beauty or worth.
- On'yomi
- しゅ
- Kun'yomi
- たま