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Kotomora

嘯

roar, howl, recite emotionally, feign indifference

Strokes16

Readings

On'yomi

  • ショウ
  • シツ

Kun'yomi

  • うそぶ.く

Meaning

嘯 centers on producing a loud, drawn-out vocal sound: roaring, howling, or reciting with strong emotion. The sense of feigning indifference is a figurative extension where one puts on a loud or dismissive front.

Most common words using 嘯

  • 嘯くうそぶく

    to boast; to brag

  • 嘯うそふき

    usofuki; kyogen mask with bulging eyes and pursed lips (as if whistling)

  • 海嘯かいしょう

    (tidal) bore; eagre

  • 空嘯くそらうそぶく

    to feign ignorance; to pretend not to know; to feign indifference; to assume a nonchalant air

  • 虎嘯こしょう

    tiger's howling

Explore all words using 嘯 →

Study

Etymology

嘯 combines 口 (mouth) with 肅, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a solemn or drawn-out quality. The exact historical development of the compound is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

A mouth 口 beside the solemn, drawn-out shape 肅: imagine a person opening their mouth wide to let out a long, emotional roar or howl.

Reading mnemonic

For ショウ, picture a dramatic show where an actor roars and howls on stage: show -> ショウ, and the mouth 口 delivers the performance.