The short story of Kanji pictures
This kanji consists of two parts. On top are two axes, representing cutting or dividing something into equal parts. At the bottom is the ‘money’ radical, depicting a shell used as currency in ancient times. Combined, this kanji represents balancing equal value or ensuring a fair agreement backed by money. By extension, it came to mean quality, substance, or quantity.
This kanji has three parts. At the top left, there is a loyal servant watching over his king. At the top right is a hand. At the bottom is a shell, which was the earliest form of money. Combined, this kanji means a wise person who can manage money cleverly and thoughtfully for their ruler and people.
This kanji consists of two parts: a ‘cover’ (or cap) radical on top, and the ‘shell’ radical below, which represents money used in ancient times. Together, they symbolize covering and hiding wealth to keep it all for oneself—hence meaning ‘to devour’ or ‘to be greedy.’
This character reflects a unique philosophy and means ‘to be defeated.’ The top part shows a person over the ground, and the bottom part is a shell, which represents ancient money. Together, it illustrates someone proudly sitting on top of wealth. In a spiritual sense, this represents being defeated by greed.
This kanji is a direct drawing of a SHELL, perfectly oriented just as you see it. In ancient times, rare and beautiful shells were used as mankind’s very first form of currency. Because of this fascinating history, almost every kanji that includes this ‘shell’ figure is deeply connected with the meaning of ‘MONEY’ or ‘WEALTH’.
