尶
embarrassed, ill at ease
Strokes17
Readings
On'yomi
- カン
- ケン
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
尶 centers on a state of social discomfort: feeling embarrassed or ill at ease, as if exposed under scrutiny.
Study
Etymology
尶 is a rare character combining 兀 (a high, exposed place) with 監 (oversee, inspect). The structure suggests the discomfort of being watched from above, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
Picture standing on a high, exposed platform (兀) while being watched by an overseer (監). The feeling of being scrutinized makes you embarrassed and ill at ease.
Reading mnemonic
For カン, imagine a can of soda spilling on you while everyone watches, making you feel embarrassed: can -> カン.