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Kotomora

颯

sudden, quick, sound of the wind

JLPTN1StatusJinmeiyōStrokes14

Readings

On'yomi

  • サツ
  • ソウ

Kun'yomi

  • さっ.と

Meaning

颯 centers on swift, sudden movement, especially with a rushing sound like wind. It describes things happening quickly or the sound of wind itself.

Most common words using 颯

  • 颯爽さっそう
    N1

    gallant; dashing; jaunty

  • 英姿颯爽えいしさっそう

    cutting a fine (dashing, gallant, noble) figure

  • 颯々さっさつ

    rustling (of wind); murmuring; whistling; soughing

Explore all words using 颯 →

Study

Etymology

颯 combines 立 (stand) and 風 (wind), suggesting the sound of wind standing up or a sudden gust. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the component relationship is consistent with the meaning of a quick, windy sound.

Meaning mnemonic

Imagine standing (立) in a sudden gust of wind (風) that rushes past with a whoosh. That quick, windy sound is 颯.

Reading mnemonic

For サツ, picture a sudden gust of wind that sounds like a sharp 'satsu' as it whips by. The invented sound 'satsu' cues サツ while the wind rushes suddenly.