Mnemonic
A river overflows, flooding the villages below, while fire erupts on the hillside above. Caught between rushing water and roaring flames, the people face total disaster — nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.
Additional thoughts
Picture the kanji: river (川) sits on top pouring downward, fire (火) blazes underneath rising upward. Two unstoppable forces converging on helpless people — the essence of disaster.Quick recall
River floods from above, fire rages from below — inescapable disaster.Details
The keyword for 災 is disaster. This kanji refers to calamities, misfortunes, or catastrophic events that cause widespread damage and suffering. It encompasses both natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, and fires, as well as man-made calamities. The character conveys the sense of destructive forces that bring harm and devastation to people and their surroundings.
- On'yomi
- さい
- Kun'yomi
- わざわ.い