虩
fright
Strokes18
Readings
On'yomi
- ケキ
- キャク
- サク
- シャク
Kun'yomi
- おそ.れる
Meaning
虩 centers on a sudden, intense fright or terror, often associated with a tiger-like threat.
Study
Etymology
虩 likely combines 虎 (tiger) with a phonetic element on the left, suggesting the fright caused by a tiger. The exact historical development is uncertain.
Meaning mnemonic
A tiger (虎) on the right, and a complex left side that looks like a startled person or a sudden movement. Imagine a tiger leaping out, causing instant fright.
Reading mnemonic
For ケキ, picture a tiger's sudden roar making a sharp 'keki' sound, like a frightened shriek: keki -> ケキ.