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Kotomora

狠

vicious, cruel, severely, extreme

Strokes9

Readings

On'yomi

  • ガン
  • ゲン
  • コン

Kun'yomi

  • もと.る

Meaning

狠 centers on harsh, unyielding severity: viciousness, cruelty, or an extreme degree of something. The meanings all point to a lack of gentleness or moderation.

Study

Etymology

狠 combines 犭 (dog/beast) with 艮, which likely contributes a harsh or stubborn sound and meaning. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character suggests a beast-like ferocity.

Meaning mnemonic

A wild beast 犭 beside a stubborn, glaring shape 艮: imagine a vicious dog snarling with extreme cruelty.

Reading mnemonic

For ガン, picture a vicious gang of wild dogs: gang -> ガン, and their cruelty is extreme.