筆
Mnemonic
Deep in a bamboo grove, you discover an ancient writing brush embedded inside a hollow stalk — as if the bamboo itself grew a Writing Brush. You pull it free and ink immediately flows from its bristled tip, painting luminous characters across every surrounding leaf.
Additional thoughts
Bamboo on top, writing brush on the bottom — the bamboo is literally the handle from which the brush emerges. Picture the kanji as a cross-section: bamboo canopy sheltering the brush below.Quick recall
A bamboo stalk sprouts a writing brush from within — a natural Writing Brush born from the grove.Details
The keyword for 筆 is writing brush. This kanji refers to the traditional brush used in East Asian calligraphy and painting, made with an animal-hair tip fitted into a bamboo handle. By extension, it can also refer to the act of writing or painting itself, as well as one's handwriting style or literary skill. It evokes the classical art of brushwork that has been central to Japanese and Chinese culture for centuries.
- On'yomi
- ひつ
- Kun'yomi
- ふで