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Kotomora

忐

timorous, nervous

Strokes7

Readings

On'yomi

  • クン
  • コウ
  • キョウ
  • タン

Kun'yomi

  • むな.しい

Meaning

忐 centers on a state of inner unease: feeling timorous, nervous, or unsettled. The given meanings describe a fearful, anxious disposition.

Study

Etymology

忐 is a relatively rare character. It combines 上 (up) and 心 (heart), likely suggesting a heart that is raised or unsettled, conveying nervousness. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

Picture a heart (心) that is jumping up (上) into your throat from nervousness. 忐 is that timorous, jittery feeling.

Reading mnemonic

For クン, imagine a timid person named Kun who is always nervous. Kun -> クン, and his heart jumps up whenever he's scared.