決着 (keri or kecchaku) This word (settlement/conclusion) is read as . Though lately, I've been digging into some more comics and noticed that there's another reading being used: . For example: * * Is this a new reading because I don't see it in any JAP to ENG dictionary I reference

It's . {} does not have that reading and you won't find it in dictionaries. However, is a saying in Japanese which does have an almost identical meaning.

Why do they use []{}[]{}?

This study divides the reason into 7 forms:


①

②

③

④

⑤

⑥

⑦



I would say is a form※, i.e. you hear is used when speaking but not in writing. However, manga often depict colloquial conversations, which is why you see it's use here.

※You could also consider to be ``.

What is happening here, is by blending the spoken and written forms, you get full understanding, but also the reading portrays a real spoken conversation, so the manga doesn't feel very "stiff" like reading a long non-fiction novel.

Here is another study for people who want to read further about Ateji.