嗄

Hoarseness; failure of vocal clarity. The glyph typically denotes a state of depletion, appearing in three primary contexts:

• Pathological/Physical: A drying of the throat (often associated with dryness 燥 and thirst 渴).
• Exhaustion: A strained or husky voice resulting from physical exertion or gasping for air.
• Affective/Emotional: The breaking of the voice due to intense grief, prolonged weeping, or shouting.

Used as a predicate adjective describing the state of the voice, or as a verb meaning "to become hoarse" or "to gasp/pant."

Contrast with 呵 (to sigh, breathe out, or shout). While 呵 refers to the action of breath or a loud exhale, 嗄 describes the quality of the sound produced. If the text focuses on the act of breathing rather than the condition of the voice, consider if 呵 is intended.