俄
sudden, abrupt, improvised
Readings
On'yomi
- ガ
Kun'yomi
- にわか
Meaning
俄 centers on something happening without warning: sudden, abrupt, or improvised on the spot.
Most common words using 俄
- 俄にわかN2
sudden; abrupt; unexpected; immediate; hasty; improvised; impromptu; offhand
- 俄然がぜんN1
suddenly; all of a sudden; abruptly
- 俄かににわかにN2
suddenly; abruptly; unexpectedly
- 俄かファンにわかファン
bandwagon fan; fair-weather fan
- 俄か分限にわかぶげん
mushroom millionaire
- 俄狂言にわかきょうげん
impromptu skit; (theatrical) farce; extravaganza
- 俄盲にわかめくら
sudden blindness
Study
Etymology
俄 combines 亻 (person) with 我, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to the idea of a sudden, self-assertive action. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A person 亻 suddenly acts on their own 我, doing something abrupt and improvised without warning.
Reading mnemonic
For ガ, imagine a person suddenly shouting 'GA!' in surprise: the sharp sound cues ガ and matches the abruptness of the kanji.