怕
fear, worry, afraid
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- ハク
- ヒャク
- ハ
Kun'yomi
- おそ.れる
Meaning
怕 centers on a state of emotional unease: fear, worry, or being afraid. The meanings all point to a mind unsettled by perceived threat or anxiety.
Study
Etymology
怕 combines the heart radical 忄 with 白, which likely contributes the sound. The heart radical points to an emotional state, fitting the meanings of fear and worry.
Meaning mnemonic
The heart radical 忄 beside 白 (white) suggests a heart turning pale with fear. Imagine someone's face going white as they tremble with worry.
Reading mnemonic
For ハク, picture a scared person backing away in fear: back -> ハク, and their heart pounds as they retreat.