瓦
かわら · kawara · JLPT N2 · noun
tile
Etymology: 瓦 is a pictograph of overlapping clay tiles laid across a roof
The kun reading かわら names the roof tile itself, while the on reading ガ is used in compounds like 瓦礫 (rubble). The shape recalls tiles stacked in rows.
瓦 — pictograph of interlocking roof tiles
瓦 is a pictograph showing two curved clay tiles fitted together, as on a traditional roof. The original meaning was 'baked clay tile,' and it later extended to pottery and earthenware in general. It also serves as a radical in characters related to ceramics, such as 瓶 and 瓷.