舌

音読おんよみ: ゼツ

訓読くんよみ: した

画数かくすう: 6 strokes

部首ぶしゅ: 舌(した)

Meaning

Tongue / Speech / Eloquence

  • 舌先したさき — tip of the tongue
  • 舌戦ぜっせん — war of words / heated debate
  • 毒舌どくぜつ — sharp tongue / sarcastic speech
  • 舌鼓したつづみ — smacking lips (in enjoyment)
  • 饒舌じょうぜつ — talkativeness / loquacity

This kanji is a pictograph of a tongue sticking out from the mouth. It covers literal and metaphorical senses — from the physical organ to eloquence, speech, and argument.

ねこしたしている。
The cat is sticking out its tongue.

その 政治家せいじか舌戦ぜっせんつよい。
That politician is skilled in verbal battles.

毒
Creates
毒舌どくぜつ — sharp tongue / sarcasm
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