哇
fawning child's voice, laughing child's voice
Strokes9
Readings
On'yomi
- ア
- アイ
- エ
- ワ
Kun'yomi
- かい
- けい
Meaning
哇 centers on the sound of a child's voice: a fawning or laughing vocalization. The meanings are closely tied to vocal expression, specifically a child's playful or coaxing tone.
Study
Etymology
哇 combines 口 (mouth) with 圭, which likely contributes the sound. The character is used for vocal sounds, especially a child's voice.
Meaning mnemonic
The mouth 口 beside 圭 suggests a small mouth making playful sounds. Imagine a child's mouth forming a fawning or laughing voice.
Reading mnemonic
For ア, picture a child opening their mouth wide and saying 'Ah!' in a fawning or laughing tone: Ah -> ア.