shout of reproof in Zen
A sharp exclamation used by a Zen master to scold or awaken a practitioner. Outside Zen, it can be used humorously or dramatically to imitate that style.
The Zen master shouted 'Katsu!' at his disciple.
shouting at someone to scold or threaten
Used for a loud, sharp rebuke or threat, often in a single shout. Common in phrases like 喝を入れる (give a sharp scolding to motivate someone).
I gave a sharp scolding to my lazy junior colleague.
The coach shouted a rebuke at the players.
cheers; applause; ovation
intimidation; threat; bluster
sharp rebuke; bark; roar · Zen shout; enlightenment rebuke
argue down; rebuke forcefully; shout down · proclaim the truth; expound decisively
Standard kanji spelling for this Zen-derived interjection and noun.
Katakana spelling is sometimes used for emphasis or in informal writing.
From Middle Chinese 喝 (xɑt̚, 'to shout, scold'). Used in Zen Buddhism as a transliteration of Sanskrit hā (a shout to awaken practitioners).