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Kotomora

嘎

sound of laughter, bad, malevolent

Strokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • カツ
  • ケチ

Kun'yomi

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Meaning

嘎 centers on a harsh, unpleasant vocal expression: the sound of laughter that is mocking or cruel, and by extension a malevolent or bad quality.

Study

Etymology

嘎 combines 口 (mouth) with 戛, which likely contributes the sound and may relate to a harsh or striking noise. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

A mouth 口 making the sound of the right side 戛, like a sharp, grating laugh. That sound is bad and malevolent.

Reading mnemonic

For カツ, imagine a villain letting out a harsh laugh that sounds like a sharp 'katsu!' as they mock someone. The cutting sound 'katsu' cues カツ.