time, about, toward
頃 centers on a point or span of time: a specific time, an approximate time (about), or a direction in time (toward).
頃 combines 匕 with 頁 (head). The exact historical development is uncertain, but it likely originally referred to the head inclining or a moment in time.
The left side 匕 looks like a spoon, and the right side 頁 is a head. Picture a head turning toward a spoon to check the time: 頃 is about time.
For ケイ, imagine a cake being served at a specific time: cake -> ケイ, and the head turns toward the spoon right on time.
(approximate) time; around; about; toward
about this time; about now
usually; habitually; always
lately; recently; nowadays
approximate age; apparent age
these past months
suitable time; good time
these days; nowadays; now; at present; recently; lately
about the middle
best time to see
good for eating; ripe enough for eating; in season
body of a garment; bodice
in those days
high time; about time
at some point in the past; at some stage
about when; about what time; how soon
at the time; in those days; then
modern; latest; up-to-date
at that time; in those days; at that moment; then
meanwhile; at the same time