Origin

This character depicts a koto, the traditional Japanese stringed instrument. The component on the left side represents jade or precious material, while the right side suggests the shape of the instrument itself with its strings and body. Over time, the original picture simplified into the current abstract form, but it still represents that distinctive instrument with its horizontal frame and multiple strings. The character came to be pronounced "koto" in Japanese, matching the instrument's name directly.

AI-generated (claude-haiku-4-5), not yet reviewed. Formation type (automated guess): Pictographic or simple.