Mnemonic
A bird dives recklessly toward a bonfire, plunging straight into the flames. Feathers ignite on contact, and in seconds the creature is completely charred—a blackened, smoking silhouette tumbling from the fire. The stench of singed plumage lingers as the charred bird hits the ground like a lump of coal with wings.
Additional thoughts
Picture a crow nosediving into a campfire—feathers curling, turning jet-black. The bottom radicals (four dots) literally look like flames licking upward at the bird radical sitting on top. Charcoal = charred bird.Quick recall
A bird plunges into flames and is charred coal-black.Details
The keyword for 焦 is char. This kanji conveys the idea of something being scorched, burned, or charred by intense heat, resulting in a blackened surface. It can also extend metaphorically to describe a state of impatience, anxiety, or being "burned up" with frustration. The sense of urgency and the physical transformation caused by fire are both central to this character's meaning.
- On'yomi
- しょう
- Kun'yomi
- こ.げる、こ.がす、こ.がれる、あせ.る、じ.れる、じ.らす