Mnemonic
Under the moon, a virtuous monk kneels and carefully arranges a complete Meal Set on a lacquered tray — each dish placed with devotion. The pale moon glow reveals how virtuous intention transforms simple rice and pickles into a meal set worthy of temple guests.
Additional thoughts
Moon (月) often signals body/flesh but here picture actual moonlight over a temple dining hall. Virtuous (善) conveys the moral goodness poured into preparing each tray. Together they form the idea of a righteous, carefully composed meal arrangement.Quick recall
A virtuous monk under the moon arranges a perfect Meal Set on a tray.Details
The keyword for 膳 is meal set. This kanji refers to a complete arrangement of food served on a tray, as in a traditional Japanese meal where multiple dishes are presented together as a coordinated set. It can also refer to the small individual dining table or tray on which such a meal is placed, reflecting the Japanese custom of serving each person their own complete portion. By extension, it is used as a counter for such trays of food or the meals themselves.
- On'yomi
- ぜん、せん
- Kun'yomi
- かしわ、すす.める、そな.える