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Kotomora

戾

perverse, recalcitrant, rebellious

Strokes8

Readings

On'yomi

  • レイ
  • ライ

Kun'yomi

  • もどす
  • もとる
  • いたる

Meaning

戾 centers on a willful, contrary turning away from what is expected: being perverse, stubbornly defiant, or rebellious against norms or authority.

Study

Etymology

戾 combines 户 (door) with 犬 (dog). The historical origin is often explained as a dog pushing against a door, suggesting a contrary or perverse action, but the exact development is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

Picture a stubborn dog (犬) inside a doorway (户), refusing to move and pushing back against the door. This contrary, rebellious behavior captures the idea of being perverse and recalcitrant.

Reading mnemonic

For レイ, imagine a rebellious dog named Ray who always does the opposite of what he's told: Ray -> レイ, and his perverse nature fits the kanji's meaning.