剽
threat
Strokes13
Readings
On'yomi
- ヒョウ
Kun'yomi
- おびや.かす
- さす
Meaning
剽 centers on a threat or menace, often with a sense of swift, cutting action implied by the knife radical. The given meaning "threat" captures its core idea of intimidation or danger.
Most common words using 剽
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Etymology
剽 combines 票 (which may contribute a sound element) with 刂 (knife), suggesting a cutting or swift action. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the knife radical often indicates a sharp or threatening action.
Meaning mnemonic
票 looks like a ticket or a floating object, and 刂 is a knife. Imagine a threatening note pinned to a ticket with a knife: a clear threat.
Reading mnemonic
For ヒョウ, picture a hyena (ヒョウ) baring its teeth like a knife, making a threatening growl. The hyena's sound cues ヒョウ and its menacing look fits the meaning.