嚳
mythical emperor, to inform quickly, an urgent communication
Strokes20
Readings
On'yomi
- コク
Kun'yomi
- つ.げる
Meaning
嚳 centers on a legendary figure (a mythical emperor) and the act of urgent, swift communication. The meanings connect through the idea of authoritative, rapid proclamation.
Study
Etymology
嚳 is a rare character of uncertain origin. It visually combines a complex upper element (resembling 學 without 子) with 告 below, but the historical development is unclear.
Meaning mnemonic
The top part looks like a crowded, urgent scene (many strokes), and 告 at the bottom means 'to inform'. Imagine a mythical emperor urgently proclaiming a message from a high platform.
Reading mnemonic
For コク, picture the emperor giving a quick, sharp 'cock-a-doodle-doo' as an urgent signal: cock -> コク, and the sound spreads the urgent communication.