忽
in a moment, instantly, all of a sudden, neglect, disregard
Readings
On'yomi
- コツ
Kun'yomi
- たちま.ち
- ゆるが.せ
Nanori
- ぬ
Meaning
忽 centers on something happening so quickly it is almost missed: in a moment, instantly, or all of a sudden. The neglect and disregard senses extend from the idea of treating something as fleeting or unworthy of sustained attention.
Most common words using 忽
- 忽ちたちまちN2
in an instant; in a moment; immediately; right away; at once
- 忽こつ
one hundred-thousandth
- 忽せゆるがせ
negligent; careless
- 忽せにするゆるがせにする
to be negligent; to neglect; to slight
- 忽せにできないゆるがせにできない
cannot be treated lightly; requiring careful attention; cannot be ignored
- 忽地こっち
suddenly; abruptly; unexpectedly
- 忽焉こつえん
sudden; unexpected
- 忽然こつぜん
sudden; abrupt; unexpected
- 粗忽そこつ
careless; thoughtless; rash; rude; at fault
- 粗忽者そこつもの
careless person; thoughtless person
- 軽忽きょうこつ
indiscreet; thoughtless
Study
Etymology
忽 combines 勿 (a shape associated with negation or cutting off) with 心 (heart/mind), suggesting a mental state where attention is cut off or fleeting. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The top 勿 looks like a quick, dismissive gesture, and the bottom 心 is the heart. Imagine your heart brushing something off in an instant, so fast that it is neglected.
Reading mnemonic
For コツ, picture a sudden knock (kotsu) on the door that makes you jump in a moment: kotsu -> コツ, and the sound is so abrupt it is instantly noticed.