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Kotomora

嚇

menacing, dignity, majesty, threaten

JLPTN1StatusJōyō · secondary schoolFrequencyTop 5,000Strokes17

Readings

On'yomi

  • カク

Kun'yomi

  • おど.す

Meaning

嚇 centers on projecting an imposing presence to intimidate or command respect: menacing, threatening, or displaying a dignified, majestic authority that deters others.

Most common words using 嚇

  • 威嚇いかく
    N1

    threat; intimidation; menace

  • 嚇すかくす

    to threaten; to menace

  • 嚇怒かくど

    greatly enraged; furious

  • 威嚇射撃いかくしゃげき

    warning shot

  • 威嚇的いかくてき

    threatening; menacing

  • 威嚇行動いかくこうどう

    threat behavior; show of force; deimatic behavior

  • 恐嚇きょうかく

    intimidation; threat

Explore all words using 嚇 →

Study

Etymology

嚇 combines 口 (mouth) with 赫, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of blazing red or intimidating brightness, suggesting a threatening or commanding voice.

Meaning mnemonic

A mouth 口 beside a blazing, intimidating red 赫: imagine a fierce shout that makes others feel threatened and see you as majestic.

Reading mnemonic

For カク, picture a menacing figure giving a sharp 'cack' sound: cack -> カク, and the threatening shout echoes from the mouth.