Meaning
The kanji 猛 (モウ, たけ.る) embodies concepts of fierceness, violence, impetuousness, intensity, or wildness. It typically points to a powerful force—one often untamed or aggressive—whether manifested in an animal, an action, an emotion, or a natural event.
Its visual structure provides clear insights into its meaning. On the left, the radical 犭 (けものへん - kemonohen) is a common element in kanji associated with animals. It's a variant of 犬 (いぬ, dog), but when used as a radical, it often denotes a more general 'beast' or 'animal.' This radical instantly evokes wildness, instinct, and the raw power inherent in the animal kingdom.
The right-hand component is 孟 (モウ), which independently signifies 'chief,' 'first,' 'strong,' or 'great.' This character also gives 猛 its primary on'yomi reading, モウ. The combination is powerful: the 'animal' radical paired with the 'strong' or 'chief' phonetic component conjures the vivid image of a dominant, powerful, and ferocious animal. This etymological blend precisely conveys the essence of 猛: a primal, overwhelming strength or intensity, much like that of a fierce beast.
Comprising 11 strokes, 猛 is classified as a Jōyō Kanji (常用漢字), meaning it's part of the designated set of characters for general use. It's typically encountered at a high proficiency level, corresponding to JLPT N1. It's also sometimes categorized as a Grade 8 kanji or a secondary school level kanji.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi of 猛 is モウ (MOU). This reading is overwhelmingly the most common, appearing in almost all compound words that use 猛. It consistently lends a nuance of intensity, ferocity, or extremeness to these compounds.
- 猛暑 (mousho) — Signifies intense, scorching heat, typical of severe summer weather.
Example: 今年の夏は猛暑で、熱中症に注意が必要です。(This summer is an intense heatwave, so we need to be careful about heatstroke.)
- 猛獣 (mōjū) — Refers to a fierce animal or a beast of prey, often implying danger and raw power.
Example: サバンナには様々な猛獣が生息しています。 (Various fierce animals inhabit the savanna.)
- 猛烈 (mōretsu) — An adjective meaning fierce, violent, tremendous, or intense, used to describe extreme conditions or actions.
Example: 彼は猛烈な勢いで仕事をこなした。 (He tackled the work with tremendous vigor.)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The primary kun'yomi for 猛 is たけ.る (takeru). This verb means 'to rage,' 'to grow fierce,' or 'to grow wild.' Although less common in everyday written compounds compared to its on'yomi, it appears in specific contexts. It often evokes a more poetic or archaic feel, typically describing a powerful, unrestrained surge of energy or emotion.
- 猛る (takeru) — This verb describes something becoming fierce, raging, or growing wild. It can refer to a storm's fury or a person's spirit becoming fiercely determined.
Example: 彼の猛る闘志は誰にも止められない。 (No one can stop his raging fighting spirit.)
- 荒猛る (aratakeru) — This is a more archaic or literary expression, meaning 'to become rough and fierce.' It emphasizes a raw, untamed nature.
Example: 古代の神々は、時に荒猛る力を見せたという。 (It is said that ancient gods sometimes displayed fierce and untamed power.)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 猛 appears frequently in various compounds, mostly utilizing its on'yomi モウ. These compounds consistently describe states of intensity, ferocity, or strong, aggressive action. Here are some common examples, categorized by theme:
Nature & Intensity
- 猛暑 (mousho) — Intense heat; heatwave.
- 猛吹雪 (mōfubuki) — Violent blizzard; heavy snowstorm.
- 猛烈 (mōretsu) — Fierce, violent, tremendous, intense (often describing speed, emotion, or effort).
- 猛威 (mōi) — Rampant power, raging force (e.g., of a storm or disease).
Animals & Strength
- 猛獣 (mōjū) — Fierce animal; beast of prey.
- 猛禽 (mōkin) — Bird of prey (e.g., eagle, hawk).
Actions & Efforts
- 猛勉強 (mōbenkyō) — Intensive study; cramming. This describes studying with great vigor and effort.
- 猛攻撃 (mōkōgeki) — Fierce attack; strong assault.
- 猛追 (mōtsui) — Close pursuit; hot chase.
- 猛特訓 (mōtokkun) — Intensive special training.
Personality & Traits
- 勇猛 (yūmō) — Brave, valorous, heroic. Describes someone with fierce courage.
- 剛猛 (gōmō) — Dauntless, brave and fierce.
- 猛者 (mōja) — Strong person, warrior, expert. A person of great strength or skill.
Chemical/Biological
- 猛毒 (mōdoku) — Virulent poison; deadly toxin.
Example Sentences
今年の夏は猛暑で、外出する際は水分補給が欠かせません。
Kotoshi no natsu wa mousho de, gaishutsu suru sai wa suibun hokyū ga kakasemasen.
This summer is an intense heatwave, so staying hydrated is essential when going out.
動物園でライオンやトラのような猛獣を見ることができます。
Dōbutsuen de raion ya tora no yō na mōjū o miru koto ga dekimasu.
You can see fierce animals like lions and tigers at the zoo.
彼は試験に合格するため、毎日猛勉強しています。
Kare wa shiken ni gōkaku suru tame, mainichi mōbenkyō shiteimasu.
He is studying intensely every day to pass the exam.
台風は猛威を振るい、多くの地域に被害をもたらしました。
Taifū wa mōi o furui, ooku no chiiki ni higai o motarashimashita.
The typhoon raged violently, causing damage to many regions.
チームは勝利を目指して、相手に猛攻撃を仕掛けました。
Chīmu wa shōri o mezashite, aite ni mōkōgeki o shikakemashita.
The team launched a fierce attack on their opponent, aiming for victory.
そのアスリートは、目標達成のために猛特訓を受けています。
Sono asurīto wa, mokuhyō tassei no tame ni mōtokkun o uketeimasu.
That athlete is undergoing intensive special training to achieve their goal.
野生の猛禽類が空高くを舞っています。
Yasei no mōkinrui ga sora takaku o matteimasu.
Wild birds of prey are soaring high in the sky.
彼の猛るような情熱は、周囲の人々を鼓舞した。
Kare no takeru yō na jōnetsu wa, shūi no hitobito o kobu shita.
His raging passion inspired the people around him.
古い文献には、勇猛な武将の物語が数多く記されている。
Furui bunken ni wa, yūmō na bushou no monogatari ga kazuooku shirusareteiru.
Many stories of brave and fierce warlords are recorded in ancient literature.
Memory Tip
To remember 猛, consider its two key components. The left side is the 'animal' radical 犭 (けものへん), a variant of 犬 (dog). This instantly evokes images of wild creatures. The right side is 孟 (モウ), meaning 'chief,' 'first,' or 'strong.' Therefore, you can visualize 猛 as a 'chief' or 'strong' animal—perhaps the fiercest, most dominant beast in its pack. Picture a mighty lion or a raging tiger leading its kind with immense strength and intensity. This blend of an animal (犭) embodying leadership and power (孟) directly brings forth the meaning of 'fierce' or 'violent.'