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Kotomora

揶

tease, play with

Strokes12

Readings

On'yomi

  • ヤ

Kun'yomi

  • からか.う

Meaning

揶 centers on light, playful interaction meant to provoke a reaction: teasing or playfully messing with someone.

Most common words using 揶

  • 揶揄やゆ

    banter; raillery; ridicule; teasing; making fun of

  • 揶揄嘲笑やゆちょうしょう

    ridicule and sneering; (casting) ridicule and scorn (upon)

Explore all words using 揶 →

Study

Etymology

揶 combines 扌 (hand) with 耶, which likely contributes the sound. The hand radical suggests an action, fitting the meaning of teasing or playing with someone.

Meaning mnemonic

The hand radical 扌 beside 耶 suggests using your hands in a playful, teasing way—like poking or gesturing to get a reaction.

Reading mnemonic

For ヤ, imagine a teasing 'yah!' sound as you playfully poke someone: yah -> ヤ, and your hand does the teasing.