惕
be cautious, careful, alert
Strokes11
Readings
On'yomi
- テキ
- チャク
Kun'yomi
- つつし.む
Meaning
惕 centers on a state of watchful readiness: being cautious, careful, and alert to avoid danger or mistakes.
Study
Etymology
惕 combines 忄 (heart/mind) with 易, which likely contributes a phonetic element. The heart radical suggests a mental state of caution or alertness.
Meaning mnemonic
The heart radical 忄 beside 易 suggests a mind that is easily startled into alertness. Picture a cautious heart that stays on guard.
Reading mnemonic
For テキ, imagine a careful technician (テキ) inspecting equipment with a watchful eye: tech -> テキ, and the technician's alertness prevents mistakes.