キョク, キ, ケ, しばしば, すみやか

fast, quick, sudden

JLPT0 G13 S0 F5000

The relevant oracle bone form of this character shows a person, stretched to full height, standing between two lines. A bronzeware inscription form adds an element combining mouth and action indicator → speak and act with the body in a state of tension from head to toe → *hasten* (← tense action) → *urgent*; *sudden* (← urgent/sudden condition causing one to hasten). A seal inscription form replaces with hand/action indicator.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]