戄
to be in awe of, to fear
Strokes23
Readings
On'yomi
- キャク
- ショウ
Kun'yomi
- おどろ.く
Meaning
戄 centers on a strong emotional reaction to something overwhelming: being in awe or feeling fear. The two given meanings are closely related, both describing a state of being deeply affected by something powerful or intimidating.
Study
Etymology
戄 combines 忄 (heart/mind) with 矍, which likely contributes both sound and a sense of startled alertness. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
The heart radical 忄 beside the complex 矍 suggests a heart startled into awe or fear. Picture a person whose heart jumps when confronted with something immense and overwhelming.
Reading mnemonic
For キャク, imagine a person so awestruck they can only stammer a sharp, invented sound: 'kyak!' The sudden 'kyak' captures the startled fear and awe of 戄.