Heisig 3 - No. 2435: overarching or Pleiades - Reviewing the Kanji

Shiromichi
New member

From: Tokyo Japan
Registered: 2011-01-31
Posts: 8

Hi everyone

I'm slowly progressing in Heisig's Vol. 3 and I recently came across No. 2435, "overarching" (昴). I have checked with multiple dictionaries and they all define this kanji as "the Pleiades", the star cluster. No mention whatsoever of "overarching". Its kunyomi is "subaru", and apparently even the Japanese company of the same name depicts the Pleiades in its logo.

I have consequently decided to drop "overarching" as my keyword and switched to "the Pleiades". Any reason why this kanji is keyworded as "overarching"? Is anyone aware of any usage of this kanji with this meaning (overarhcing) in a compound or anywhere?

Thanks.

bertoni
Member

From: Mountain View, CA, USA
Registered: 2009-11-08
Posts: 255

In Japanese, it's always Pleiades, as far as I have been able to tell.

Katsuo
M.O.D.

From: Tokyo
Registered: 2007-02-06
Posts: 840
Website

I couldn't find the "overarching" meaning either. It may exist, but if so is very rare.
As already mentioned, the main use for this kanji is for the "Pleiades" star cluster (called "Subaru" in Japanese). The name "Subaru" was chosen for a brand of car, but in that case is usually written in romaji or katakana. It's also the name of a well-known song by 谷村新司 (Tanimura Shinji). YouTube video.

Story suggestion: Looking closely at the Pleiades you are amazed to see a hare hopping from one sun to another.
Or, if you prefer the car image: Driving your new Subaru you are suddenly blinded by the sun and squash a passing hare. Oops!

JapanesePod101
Sponsor

Shiromichi
New member

From: Tokyo Japan
Registered: 2011-01-31
Posts: 8

Thank you guys for the replies and the helpful story suggestion!

Heisig 3 - No. 2435: overarching or Pleiades

Index » RtK Vol.2 & 3