悖

be contrary

Strokes10

Readings

On'yomi

ハイ
ボツ

Kun'yomi

もと.る

Meaning

悖 centers on going against what is expected or correct: being contrary, rebellious, or inconsistent with reason or order.

Most common words using 悖

悖るもとる
to go against; to act contrary to; to run counter to; to deviate from
狂悖きょうはい
immoral and thoughtless behaviour; outrageous misconduct

Explore all words using 悖 →

Study

Etymology

悖 combines 忄 (heart/mind) with 孛, which likely contributes the sound and carries a sense of disorder or rebellion. The exact historical development of 孛 is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

The heart radical 忄 beside 孛 suggests a mind that rebels or goes against the norm. Picture a contrary heart that always does the opposite of what is expected.

Reading mnemonic

For ハイ, imagine a rebellious person shouting 'Hi!' (ハイ) in a formal setting where a bow is expected, acting contrary to proper etiquette.