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Kotomora

蹙

a tight place, scowl, approaching

Strokes18

Readings

On'yomi

  • シュク
  • セキ

Kun'yomi

  • せ.まる

Meaning

蹙 centers on being pressed into a tight, uncomfortable space, which can manifest physically as a scowl or a sense of something closing in.

Most common words using 蹙

  • 顰蹙ひんしゅく

    frowning on; looking on with scorn; showing disapproval

  • 顰蹙を買うひんしゅくをかう

    to be frowned on; to invite frowns of disapproval; to displease (people); to disgust

Explore all words using 蹙 →

Study

Etymology

蹙 combines 戚 (a type of axe or relative, here likely contributing the sound) with 足 (foot), suggesting a foot being pressed or cramped, leading to the idea of tightness and frowning.

Meaning mnemonic

Imagine your foot (足) being squeezed by a relative (戚) in a tight space, making you scowl as they approach.

Reading mnemonic

For シュク, picture being shushed (シュク) by someone as you scowl in a tight, quiet place where you can't move.