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Kotomora

咄

exclamation of surprise, cry out (in anger), scold, talk, chat

Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • トツ

Kun'yomi

  • はなし
  • しか.る

Nanori

  • はな

Meaning

咄 centers on sudden vocal outbursts: an exclamation of surprise, a cry of anger, or scolding. The talk and chat senses are less common extensions of this vocal expression.

Most common words using 咄

  • 咄嗟とっさ
    N2

    moment; instant

  • 咄嗟にとっさに
    N1

    at once; immediately; instantly; in an instant; quickly; suddenly; on the spur of the moment

  • 咄々とつとつ

    clicking (of the tongue)

  • 咄本はなしぼん

    hanashibon (book of humorous stories and anecdotes; Edo period)

Explore all words using 咄 →

Study

Etymology

咄 combines 口 (mouth) with 出 (come out), suggesting a sound or word bursting out of the mouth. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component combination fits the meaning of an exclamation or scolding.

Meaning mnemonic

A mouth (口) with something coming out (出) captures the idea of a sudden shout or exclamation. Imagine a person whose words burst out like a surprise cry.

Reading mnemonic

For トツ, imagine a sudden shout that sounds like 'tots!' bursting from the mouth: tots -> トツ, matching the exclamation meaning.