Entry
かっか
kakka
Describes an intense state of burning heat or a person flaring up with hot anger.
Meaning
Quick Meaning
This term is used to express both literal physical heat (like a blazing fire or the sun) and figurative emotional heat (like losing one's cool and becoming flushed with rage).
- Intense emotional rage
- Literal blazing heat
Sense Map
Emotion
Becoming extremely angry, often resulting in a hot or flushed face.
Getting worked up over a minor disagreement.
Physical State
Something burning intensely or glowing with heat.
The coals glowing red in the fireplace.
Usage Note
How to Use
かっかする
Used as a verb to describe the state of the subject being angry or burning.
かっかとした + noun
Modifies a noun to indicate it has the quality of intense heat or glowing.
かっかと + verb
Acts as an adverb to describe how an action is performed with heat or intensity.
How to Use
Common Phrases
かっかする
to be hot with anger
かっかと怒る
to be fuming with rage
かっかと燃える
to burn brightly and hotly
かっかと照りつける
sun beating down hotly
Nuance
Context Nuance
| Common Contexts | Nuance | Usage Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anger | negative | Suggests losing control due to emotion. |
| Heat/Fire | neutral | Emphasizes the intensity of the heat source. |
Similar Words
Comparison Table
| Similar Words | When to Use | Not the Same as | Mini Example |
|---|---|---|---|
かっと かっと / similar | Use for a sudden, momentary flash of anger. | Kakka is a sustained state of burning anger, while Katto is a sudden flare-up like a spark. | Suddenly lost his cool when insulted. |
かんかん かんかん / similar | Use for extreme, overt fury. | Kankan implies a higher level of outward rage compared to the internal heat of kakka. | Mom is steaming mad. |
Usage Note
Common Mistakes
Assuming it only applies to anger.
Remember it also describes physical phenomena like the sun or fire.
Using it for mild annoyance.
Kakka implies a level of heat where the person is visibly worked up.
Examples
Examples
真夏の太陽がかっかと照りつけている。
まななつのたいようがかっかとてりつけている。
The midsummer sun is beating down hotly.
VisualDescribes the intense heat of the sun.
ストーブの火がかっかと燃えている。
すとーぶのひがかっかともえている。
The fire in the stove is burning brightly.
LiteralUsed for fire emitting strong heat.
彼はささいなことでかっかしている。
かれはささいなことでかっかしている。
He is getting all worked up over a minor thing.
FigurativeDescribes flaring emotional temper.
顔をかっかと赤くして怒鳴った。
かおをかっかとあかくしてどなった。
His face flushed bright red as he shouted.
VisualShows the physical effect of anger.
議論が白熱して、みんなかっかしてきた。
ぎろんがはくねつして、みんなかっかしてきた。
The debate heated up, and everyone started losing their cool.
FigurativeUsed for a heated atmosphere in a discussion.
Similar Words
カッと
katto
Expresses a sudden, high-intensity flare-up of emotion, light, heat, or a sharp physical movement like widening one's eyes. A sudden burst of anger.
カンカン
kankan
This word describes extreme anger, the fierce heat of the sun, or the sharp clanging sound of striking metal. Extreme and overt fury.
ムッと
mutto
Describes a sudden surge of being offended or annoyed, or an uncomfortably hot and stuffy atmosphere.
Questions
Is kakka different from normal anger?
Yes, it specifically highlights the physical sensation of 'heat' and 'burning' in the temper.
Can I use it for a fever?
It is rarely used for medical fevers; use 'netsu ga aru' instead.
How long does the state of kakka last?
It implies a continuous state of heat, unlike 'Katto' which is instantaneous.
Source Details
- Entry ID
- 1002870
- Source
- JMdict_english
- Revision
- -
- Review notes
- No special notes
- Active language
- English
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