stem

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 茎 is read くき, has 8 strokes, and relates to a plant stem.
• Basic usage: 茎 is read くき, and 歯茎 is read はぐき.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• 茎 and 歯茎
  • 茎 means stem.
  • 花の茎を斜めに切って水に挿した。 means “I cut the flower stem at an angle and placed it in water.”
  • 歯茎 means gums.
  • 歯を磨くときは歯茎もやさしく手入れする。 means “Gently care for your gums when brushing your teeth.”