畝

ridge in field

Kanji 1468

This kanji, which symbolizes the hills that some crop farmers make in fields, belongs squarely in the agricultural realm. However, 畝 also represents ridges in knit items, ribbed fabric, and the like, and therefore has a firm presence in the sphere of shopping! Plus, the Japanese once used 畝 as a measurement of areas. Finally, this kanji pops up in names, notably that of one heroic man.

Revision history:

Dec. 9, 2022: p. 7: Made several small changes to comments about the 尺貫法 and its units.

Feb. 14, 2022: 

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and Sears link. 
• p. 13: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Aug. 12, 2016: Originally published.