KanjiJLPT N2
Strike

strike, beat, kow tow, hit, thrash, criticize

Mnemonic

Your mouth is pressed against the door crack, screaming to be let in. No answer. You ball your fist into a human stamp and strike the door — knock knock knock! Each strike lands with rhythmic precision until someone finally opens up.
Additional thoughts
Picture the mouth yelling, then the fist coming down like a rubber stamp — a deliberate, repeated knocking motion. Mouth + Stamp = Strike.
Quick recall
A mouth screams at the door, then a fist-stamp delivers a sharp strike.

Details

The keyword for 叩 is strike. This kanji refers to the act of hitting, knocking, or tapping something, often with a relatively light or deliberate motion rather than a heavy blow. It is commonly associated with actions like knocking on a door, slapping, or beating something rhythmically. The character conveys a sense of direct, physical contact made with intent.
On'yomi
こう
Kun'yomi
たた.く、はた.く、すぎ

Used in kanji