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
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.