← Dictionary
曲
bend · curve · crooked · song · melody
N3On: きょくKun: まがる、まげる
Memory Aid
The kanji 曲 looks like something bent out of shape, like a twisted piece of wire or a paperclip that has been deliberately curved. Visualize the square in the middle being the 'original' shape, now distorted.
'Kyoku' — sounds like 'crooked', which is a type of bend or curve, and also relates to something not straight or honest (a 'crooked' deal). This can help with both the 'bend' and 'song' meanings, as a melody often has a winding, 'crooked' path.
Vocabulary
曲がるまがるto turn (a corner); to bend
曲線きょくせんcurved line
作曲さっきょくmusical composition
一曲いっきょくa piece of music, a tune
Example Sentences
この道は次を右に曲がってください。
Please turn right at the next corner on this road.
鉄の棒を手で曲げるのは難しい。
It's difficult to bend an iron rod with your hands.
彼女はいつも古い曲を聴いています。
She always listens to old songs.
彼はたくさんの人気曲を作曲しました。
He composed many popular songs.