恟

fear

Strokes9

Readings

On'yomi

キョウ

Kun'yomi

おそ.れる

Meaning

恟 centers on a state of fear or dread, often an inner emotional agitation.

Most common words using 恟

人心恟々じんしんきょうきょう
panic-stricken (people); frightened (masses); alarmed
恟々きょうきょう
scared; afraid; trembling with fear
恟然きょうぜん
terrified; panicked; horrified

Explore all words using 恟 →

Study

Etymology

恟 combines the heart radical 忄 (emotion) with 匈, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a turbulent or agitated quality. The exact historical development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

The heart radical 忄 beside 匈 suggests a heart in turmoil. Picture your heart pounding with fear when facing something menacing.

Reading mnemonic

For キョウ, imagine a fearful person shouting 'KYOU!' (like 'kyoh!') when startled. The sharp sound キョウ matches the sudden fear.