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Kotomora

喑

to be dumb, the sobbing of infants

Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • イン
  • オン
  • アン

Kun'yomi

  • おし
  • さけ.ぶ

Meaning

喑 centers on voicelessness: being unable to speak or making only muffled, choked sounds. The sobbing of infants is a specific application of that same idea of suppressed or inarticulate vocalization.

Study

Etymology

喑 combines 口 (mouth) with 音 (sound), suggesting a mouth that cannot produce clear sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is consistent with the meaning of muteness or muffled vocalization.

Meaning mnemonic

A mouth (口) that tries to make sound (音) but only manages a choked sob. Picture an infant's mouth open, but only a muffled cry comes out.

Reading mnemonic

For イン, imagine an infant sobbing inside a quiet room: the 'in' sound of 'inside' cues イン, and the muffled crying fits the meaning.