ジャク, ニャク, ニャ, わか.い, わか, も.しくわ, も.し, も.しくは, ごと.し, わく, わこ

young, if, perhaps, possibly, low number, immature

JLPT3 G6 S8 F458

The relevant oracle bone form of this character is a depiction of a supple young women combing her hair. A seal inscription form transforms the hair element into 艸 grass/plant and adds (an object) below, probably under the influence of the seal inscription form of → *youth* (← suppleness of youth) → *immature*. The minor meanings of *either/or*, *some ... while others ...*, and *if* are borrowed meanings.

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