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乙
Second (in a sequence) · B (rank) · Quaint · Chic
N1On: おつKun: おと
Memory Aid
The character 乙 is a pictograph of a bent or coiled object, such as a hook or a fish's gut. This suggests something curved or winding, which can relate to its use as the second in a sequence, following a straight 'first'.
The shape of 乙 looks like a stylish, flowing letter 'Z'. Think of 'Z' as 'second' in an informal alphabetical order, or as representing something 'chic' and 'quaint' with its unique curve.
Vocabulary
乙女おとめmaiden, young girl
甲乙こうおつA and B, superiority or inferiority
乙な味おつなあじquaint taste, refined taste
乙号室おつごうしつRoom B (second room)
乙おつCheers!, Good work! (colloquial shorthand for お疲れ様)
Example Sentences
彼女は乙女のような純粋な心を持っている。
She has a pure heart like a maiden.
この二つの案に甲乙つけがたい。
It's hard to say which of these two proposals is superior.
彼はいつも乙な冗談を言う。
He always tells quaint jokes.
会議室は乙号室です。
The meeting room is Room B.