Mnemonic
A person tunnels through the earth toward freedom. A massive hand smashes down, collapsing everything. A second person waiting on the other side drops to their knees — their entire escape plan thwarted in one crushing blow.
Additional thoughts
Picture two people separated by earth — one digging, one waiting. A giant hand slams the ground, destroying the tunnel. The crushing motion mirrors the feeling of being thwarted. Radicals left to right: hand, person, earth, person.Quick recall
A person digs through earth, but a hand crushes the tunnel, leaving the second person thwarted.Details
The keyword for 挫 is thwart. This kanji conveys the idea of crushing, obstructing, or defeating someone's plans or spirit. It carries a strong sense of frustration and setback, referring to situations where progress or ambition is forcibly blocked or broken down. The character is often associated with feelings of discouragement and the experience of having one's efforts or morale undermined.
- On'yomi
- ざ、さ
- Kun'yomi
- くじ.く、くじ.ける