Mnemonic
You respect a noble horse who always stands perfectly still like a living statue. One morning, fireworks crack overhead and the horse does a full backflip. You be surprised — you didn't even know horses COULD backflip! The respect you feel only doubles afterward.
Additional thoughts
Picture the dignified horse suddenly launching into the air — the shock on your face mirrors the kanji's meaning. Respect (top) + Horse (bottom) = total astonishment.Quick recall
A horse you respect does a backflip, making you be surprised.Details
The keyword for 驚 is be surprised. This kanji conveys the feeling of being startled, astonished, or taken aback by something unexpected. It encompasses a range of reactions from mild surprise to intense shock or alarm. The character captures that sudden jolt of emotion one experiences when confronted with something unanticipated or remarkable.
- On'yomi
- きょう
- Kun'yomi
- おどろ.く、おどろ.かす