Back to dictionary
JLPT N111画 · 11 strokesradical 口freq #1858

hoarse, scold

On'yomi (音読み)

  • カツ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

Mnemonic

As the mouth (口) lets out a hoarse scold (喝), the sound echoes like a harsh bark ringing through the air.

About this kanji

The kanji 「喝」 primarily means to scold or make a loud, sharp rebuke. It is typically used in compound words rather than as a standalone noun or verb. For example, in 「恐喝」 (きょうかつ), it means blackmail, where someone uses threats to manipulate another person. Another common compound is 「一喝」 (いっかつ), which refers to a sharp, loud reprimand, often used in contexts where someone is being firmly told off. Additionally, in 「喝采」 (かっさい), it means cheers, indicating enthusiastic applause or acclaim. When learning this kanji, remember that it conveys a sense of strong emotions or reactions, whether through scolding or expressing approval.

Example sentences

  • 彼の声に喝采が起こった。

    Cheers erupted at his voice.

Meanings across languages

English
hoarse, scold
Tiếng Việt
khàn, la mắng
日本語
喝, 叱る
한국어
거칠다, 혼내다
中文
id
serak, memarahi
th
เสียงแหบ, ดุ
es
ronco, reprochar
fr
rauque, gronder
de
heiser, schimpfen
pt
garganta rouca, repreender

Common compounds

  • 恐喝きょうかつblackmail, extortion, threat (to extort money)
  • 一喝いっかつsharp, loud rebuke, bark, roar
  • 喝采かっさいcheers, applause, ovation
  • 喝破かっぱarguing (someone) down, loudly scolding, rebuking
  • 恫喝どうかつintimidation, threat, bluster
  • 威喝いかつthreatening
  • 脅喝きょうかつthreat, intimidation, menace
  • 大喝だいかつshouting in a thunderous voice

Want to actually learn this kanji?

The dictionary is one view. The Kanji 360 app wraps every character with mnemonic images, audio readings, stroke-order animation, story context, and SRS scheduling — free to start on iPhone, iPad, and Android.