曲 means “melody, tune, composition”

きょく · kyoku

Also: bend, music

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading): まがる, まげる, くま
On'yomi (Chinese reading): キョク

Taught in grade 3 · 6 strokes

The story

A bent, curved shape: 曲 represents the winding path of a melody through time. In Japan, a single 曲 can define an era: from classical gagaku compositions played for emperors to the J-pop songs that soundtrack modern Tokyo's neon nights.

Used in 作曲 (sakkyoku, compose music), 名曲 (meikyoku, famous piece), and 曲線 (kyokusen, curve)

曲 means “melody, tune, composition”

The story

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