Kanji - Level 5 - Radicals Flashcards
斤
Axe
This is a strange looking axe, I know. But think of it this way: the letter “T” is in the cliff. What is the “T”? Of course it has to be Mr. T, who’s super awesome. Think of Mr. T wielding a terrifying axe, running after you screaming, “I pity the fool!” while trying to chop you down. That makes for a pretty terrifying axe.
青
Blue
You have life on top of the moon (ignore that life is missing its little slide on the left side). What would life on the moon look like? Well, first of all, they have no air, so they probably look pretty blue from asphyxiation. When you meet them, it turns out you’re right. They’re a civilization of blue people. Imagine them all living up there, being blue and Smurfy.
耂
Coffin
See the slide going into the dirt? That’s where they throw your body when you die. It’s actually a coffin!
色
Color
The bed you get in prison is the only thing with color you’ll see while you’re there. Picture a dark, dank cell. Maybe a toilet too. Now picture a bright, colorful bed against the wall. This is the only joy you have.
羽
Feathers
This radical already looks like a pair of wings, right? What are on wings? Well, usually lots of feathers.
行
Go
You have the radicals for loiter, two, and barb. Someone who uses two barbs on you while you’re loitering really wants you to GO!! GO on, stop loitering outside of my convenience store, ya dang kids!
金
Gold
There’s two sets of spikes underneath that hat. It’s actually a trap, to prevent anyone from coming in and stealing your gold. Why else would you make a trap? Everyone likes to protect their gold.
冫
Ice
Remember the radical for drop (of liquid)? This is two drops instead of one. When you see two drops, you should think, “the next stage of water.” What is the next stage? Why, that is ice.
乍
Key
This is a very oddly shaped key, but it’s a key nonetheless.
𧘇
Kick
These are legs that are bending funny. They’re bending so they can kick you! Imagine someone doing a flying kick at you. Look at their legs and, ah yes, it looks just like this!
开
Lantern
Think of an old-style lantern. It’s on top of a few legs (you can only see two from this angle) and it’s in a box shaped holder at the top. You can imagine these lining the streets before electricity, right? That’s why this radical is a lantern.
可
Lip ring
There’s something hooked going into a mouth. Rather than a hook, though, it’s a lip ring. They used to use fish hooks and nails in the old days. (Glad we don’t live in those times anymore!)
肉
Meat
Inside your head, you can only think about people, people, and more people. This is bad, because really all you want is their meat, because you’re some kind of sick cannibal… you monster. When you think of “people” in your head, you’re really just thinking about more meat you can eat.
会
Meet
Under the hat there are two people meeting in private. Look at them huddled up in there. They must have a reason to want to meet in such a private place, but that’s not for you to judge. Maybe next time you have to meet with someone you’ll hide under a hat with them too.
冋
Mustache
See the mustache going around the mouth? I wish I could grow a sweet mustache like this.