Mnemonic
Two kings sit upon golden thrones. The elder king raises his scepter and commands, 'Now!' A court musician steps forward, bows, and begins plucking a magnificent harp, filling the grand hall with shimmering, otherworldly melodies that make both monarchs weep.
Additional thoughts
Picture twin kings side by side (the two King radicals) with NOW written on a banner above the harpist. The regal setting reinforces the elegance of the koto instrument.Quick recall
Two kings cry 'now!' and a harp fills the royal court with music.Details
The keyword for 琴 is harp / koto. This kanji refers to a traditional Japanese stringed instrument known as the koto, a long zither-like instrument with movable bridges placed on a wooden body. It is also used more broadly to refer to stringed instruments in general, which is why it is sometimes translated as "harp." The character evokes the elegance and refinement of classical music and is often associated with traditional Japanese and Chinese culture.
- On'yomi
- きん、ごん
- Kun'yomi
- こと