忝
grateful, indebted
Strokes8
Readings
On'yomi
- テン
Kun'yomi
- かたじけな.い
Meaning
忝 centers on feeling a deep sense of unworthiness when receiving kindness or favor: being grateful yet indebted, as if the favor is more than one deserves.
Most common words using 忝
Study
Etymology
忝 combines 天 (heaven) with 心 (heart), suggesting a heart that feels small before heaven's grace, leading to the idea of humble gratitude and indebtedness.
Meaning mnemonic
Heaven 天 above a heart ⺗: imagine receiving a blessing from the sky so great that your heart feels unworthy and deeply grateful.
Reading mnemonic
For テン, picture ten (テン) kind acts from heaven that make your heart feel indebted: ten -> テン, and each act deepens your gratitude.