Definitions

oar (archaic)
variant of 楫[jí]

Etymology phono-semantic

wood

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "楫" is a phono-semantic compound incorporating the semantic component "木" for wood and the phonetic component "咠" for pronunciation, directly signaling its association with a wooden rowing implement. Etymologically, it derives from the function of propelling boats, specifically denoting a short oar. While classical texts occasionally applied the character in metaphorical extensions related to guidance or motion, its primary meaning as an oar has been maintained in standard usage.