The kanji 朽 generally conveys the idea of decay, rot, decomposition, or deterioration. It suggests a process of breaking down, becoming old, and losing strength or quality over time.

・On-yomi (音読み): キュウ (kyū) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): く朽ちる (kuchiru)

⚫︎ 老朽化 (rōkyūka) Translation: aging; deterioration; becoming old; becoming dilapidated ⚫︎ 木朽 (kigi kuchiru) Translation: The tree rots ⚫︎ 腐朽 (fukyū) Translation: decay; rot

The kanji 朽 is a phono-semantic compound (形声文字). ⚫︎ The semantic (meaning) component is 木 (ki), which means "tree" or "wood." ⚫︎ The phonetic (sound) component is 九 (kyū or ku), which provides the sound of the kanji. ⚫︎ Together, these components suggest the process of wood decaying or rotting.