緒

beginning; cord; emotional state

Kanji 1382

Though 緒 looks simple, its yomi and meanings constantly shift in fascinating ways. It means what you see above, plus “clue,” and is associated with “together” and “secret.” Learn to say all this: “Just between you and me, he is a liar.” “To know someone, travel with him for a week.” “Space science is still in its infancy.” “She told me in confidence.” “I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

Revision History:

June 16, 2021: 

• p. 2: Added the Henshall etymology.
• p. 2, Sidebar 1: Moved 箸 (2094: chopsticks) from the look-alikes list on p. 1 to Sidebar 1 on p. 2 and added that 箸 is part of the echoing series, though チョ is a non-Joyo yomi for that kanji.
• p. 11: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Apr. 30, 2019: p. 13: Changed the vocab for the book title from the noun 繕い to the verb 繕う.

Apr. 6, 2019: Originally published.