悸
pulsate, shudder
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- キ
Kun'yomi
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Meaning
悸 centers on a sudden, involuntary bodily reaction: a strong heartbeat or a shudder of fear or excitement.
Most common words using 悸
Study
Etymology
悸 combines 忄 (heart) with 季, which likely contributes the sound and may suggest a seasonal or cyclical rhythm, though the exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The heart radical 忄 beside 季 (season) suggests a heart that beats with the sudden, intense rhythm of a seasonal storm: a shudder or pulsation.
Reading mnemonic
For キ, imagine your heart giving a sudden shudder when you see a key (キー) that unlocks a forgotten memory: key -> キ.