The kanji 叫 is an important character often seen at the JLPT N2 level. It primarily means 'shout' or 'cry out.' This guide offers a detailed look at 叫, exploring its origins, various meanings, readings, common usages, and helpful memory tips. Whether you're preparing for the JLPT or simply expanding your Japanese vocabulary, this resource will be valuable for understanding this expressive kanji.
Meaning
The kanji 叫 (kyō, sakebu) primarily means to shout, to cry out, or to yell. It describes a human voice raised loudly, often expressing strong emotion. This kanji is key for understanding intense vocalizations, such as cries of pain, joy, anger, or calls for help.
Visually, the kanji's shape gives clear clues to its meaning. It combines two elements: the radical 口 (kuchi), meaning 'mouth,' at the bottom, and a phonetic component at the top. This upper part (丩) originally conveyed the idea of 'calling' or 'shouting.' When paired with 口, it strongly emphasizes the mouth's role in producing a loud sound. Imagine the top part as a stylized person tilting their head back, mouth open wide, to project their voice. The lower 口 then explicitly reinforces that the sound comes from the mouth. Together, these elements powerfully depict a forceful vocal utterance.
This 5-stroke kanji is taught in the 3rd grade of Japanese elementary schools. Its simple structure makes it fundamental, yet its nuanced usage in compounds keeps it relevant for intermediate N2 learners.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
On'yomi are readings that originated from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when the kanji forms part of a compound word.
キョウ (KYOU): This is the primary On'yomi for 叫. You'll often find it in more formal or specific compound words related to intense vocal expressions or calls.
絶叫 (zekkyō) — scream, shriek. This term implies a high-pitched, often desperate or terrifying, cry.
叫喚 (kyōkan) — shouting and wailing. Often used to describe a cacophony of cries, especially in distress or panic.
大叫 (taikyō) — a loud shout, a great cry. Used to emphasize the volume and intensity of a shout.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings, often used when the kanji stands alone as a verb or an adjective, or in combination with hiragana (okurigana) to form a verb.
さけ.ぶ (sake.bu): This is the most common Kun'yomi. It forms the verb 叫ぶ, meaning 'to shout' or 'to cry out,' and is versatile, expressing a wide range of emotions and intentions.
叫ぶ (sakebu) — to shout, to cry out, to yell.
叫び声 (sakebigoe) — a cry, a shout (noun). This refers to the sound itself produced by shouting.
叫び出す (sakebidasu) — to begin to shout, to burst into a cry. This implies a sudden start to shouting.
さけび (sakebi): This is the noun form derived from the verb 叫ぶ, meaning 'a cry,' 'a shout,' or 'an appeal.' It's often used in more abstract contexts.
叫び (sakebi) — a cry, an appeal (noun).
Common Words & Compounds
To truly understand 叫, it's helpful to see it used in various compound words. Below is a selection, categorized by theme, to illustrate its diverse applications.
Emotional Expressions & Intense Vocalizations
絶叫 (zekkyō) — scream, shriek. Often associated with fear, excitement, or extreme emotion.
絶叫マシン (zekkyō mashin) — thrilling amusement park rides (lit., 'scream machine').
叫喚 (kyōkan) — shouting and wailing. Describes a scene of chaos or distress filled with loud cries.
雄叫び (otakebi) — war cry, roar. A powerful, often intimidating, shout, typically associated with battle or victory.
Actions & Verbs
叫ぶ (sakebu) — to shout, to cry out, to yell. The fundamental verb form.
叫び声 (sakebigoe) — a cry, a shout (noun). The sound produced by yelling.
叫び出す (sakebidasu) — to begin to shout, to burst into a cry. Indicates the sudden commencement of shouting.
大声で叫ぶ (oogoe de sakebu) — to shout in a loud voice. Emphasizes the volume.
助けを叫ぶ (tasuke o sakebu) — to cry for help. A common expression of distress.
Figurative & Abstract Meanings
叫び (sakebi) — a cry, an appeal (noun). Can refer to an inner yearning or a powerful message.
心の叫び (kokoro no sakebi) — a cry from the heart, a heartfelt appeal. Expresses deep emotion or conviction.
魂の叫び (tamashii no sakebi) — a cry from the soul. Indicates a profound, spiritual expression.
Example Sentences
These example sentences demonstrate 叫 in various contexts, from simple phrases to more complex scenarios, helping you see how it's used.
彼は助けを求めて大声で叫んだ。
Kare wa tasuke o motomete oogoe de sakenda.
He shouted loudly, calling for help.
観客たちはチームの勝利に歓喜の叫びを上げた。
Kankyaku-tachi wa chiimu no shōri ni kanki no sakebi o ageta.
The spectators let out cries of joy at their team's victory.
恐怖で彼女は絶叫した。
Kyōfu de kanojo wa zekkyō shita.
She shrieked in terror.
抗議者たちは自分たちの要求を叫び続けた。
Kōgisha-tachi wa jibun-tachi no yōkyū o sakebi tsuzuketa.
The protesters continued to shout their demands.
心の中で彼は叫んだ、「なぜなんだ！」と。
Kokoro no naka de kare wa sakenda, "Naze nanda!" to.
In his heart, he cried out, "Why?!"
子供は遊園地の絶叫マシンで楽しそうに叫んでいた。
Kodomo wa yūenchi no zekkyō mashin de tanoshisō ni sakende ita.
The child was happily screaming on the thrilling amusement park ride.
演説者は情熱的に理想を叫び、聴衆を魅了した。
Enzetsusha wa jōnetsu-teki ni risō o sakebi, chōshū o miryō shita.
The orator passionately proclaimed his ideals and captivated the audience.
災害現場では、助けを求める叫び声が響いていた。
Saigai genba de wa, tasuke o motomeru sakebigoe ga hibīte ita.
At the disaster site, cries for help echoed.
真実を世に向かって叫ぶことは、勇気ある行動だ。
Shinjitsu o yo ni mukatte sakebu koto wa, yūki aru kōdō da.
To cry out the truth to the world is an act of courage.
彼の魂の叫びが、歌となって聞く人々の心に届いた。
Kare no tamashii no sakebi ga, uta to natte kiku hitobito no kokoro ni todoita.
His soul's cry reached the hearts of those who listened, becoming a song.
Memory Tip
To remember 叫, visualize its components. The kanji has two parts: the familiar radical 口 (kuchi), meaning 'mouth,' at the bottom, and a top component. For a mnemonic, imagine this top part as a person with their head and shoulders tilted back, mouth wide open, about to let out a loud sound. Combine this with the Mouth radical (口), and you clearly see a powerful shout or scream coming from the mouth. This image of a 'mouth' making a 'loud sound' vividly conveys 'to shout.'