Skip to content
Kotomora

唸

groan, roar

Strokes11

Readings

On'yomi

  • テン

Kun'yomi

  • うな.る
  • うなり

Meaning

唸 centers on a deep, rumbling vocal sound: a groan of pain or a roar of anger. Both meanings share the idea of a low, forceful utterance coming from the throat.

Most common words using 唸

  • 唸るうなる
    N3

    to groan; to moan

  • 唸りうなり

    groan; moan

  • 唸り出すうなりだす

    to let out a roar (hum, groan, moan); to produce a loud noise

  • 唸り声うなりごえ

    groan; moan

  • 唸るほどうなるほど

    to a great extent; incredibly (tasty, much, etc.); (money) to burn; rolling in (cash)

Explore all words using 唸 →

Study

Etymology

唸 combines 口 (mouth) with 念, which likely contributes the sound. The character expresses a vocal sound made with the mouth, fitting the meanings groan and roar.

Meaning mnemonic

A mouth 口 making a deep, rumbling sound like a groan or roar, with 念 suggesting the sound is held in the throat.

Reading mnemonic

For テン, imagine a tense groan: ten -> テン, and the mouth 口 lets out a low, tense roar.