Mnemonic
Your hand grabs an axe and swings at a green branch — but instead of slicing clean through, the branch just folds over on itself with a loud creak. Every chop with the axe only folds it further, bending like stubborn origami. Your hand aches from the effort.
Additional thoughts
Picture a fresh, flexible branch that refuses to snap — the axe blow causes it to crease and fold rather than split. Hand + Axe = force applied that bends instead of breaks.Quick recall
A hand swings an axe at a green branch, but it won't cut — it only folds.Details
The keyword for 折 is fold. This kanji conveys the action of bending or folding something, such as paper or a branch, by applying force until it creases or breaks. It extends to meanings of snapping, breaking off, or turning at an angle, as well as the idea of yielding or compromising in a figurative sense. The character captures both the physical act of bending something upon itself and the metaphorical notion of a turning point or occasion.
- On'yomi
- せつ、しゃく
- Kun'yomi
- お.る、おり、お.り、-お.り、お.れる