Mnemonic
A tiger pins you down and drags a comb across your bare back, each tooth cutting deeper than the last. This is how the beast oppresses — slow, methodical cruelty. Every stroke of the comb reminds you: under the tiger's paw, you are nothing.
Additional thoughts
Visualize the tiger holding you flat with one massive paw while the other slowly rakes the comb down your spine. The comb's fine teeth become tiny instruments of systematic torment — perfectly capturing the meaning of sustained, deliberate cruelty.Quick recall
A tiger rakes a comb down your back to oppress you tooth by tooth.Details
The keyword for 虐 is oppress. This kanji conveys the idea of treating others with extreme cruelty, harshness, or tyranny. It carries a strong sense of abuse, persecution, and the systematic mistreatment of those who are powerless or vulnerable. The character is used in contexts involving brutality, maltreatment, and the exercise of unjust power over others.
- On'yomi
- ぎゃく
- Kun'yomi
- しいた.げる