Dragon in Japanese
"dragon" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
竜
ryu
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "dragon". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
竜 is the standard form taught in schools and used in everyday writing. 龍 is the older full form of the same character — not a different word, just an older way of drawing it — and it is what calligraphers, shrines and company names reach for when they want weight. 辰 is the dragon of the zodiac; use it for a birth year, not for the creature.
Top pick
dragon, imperial
Reading: ryuu
10 strokes · powerful, elegant
Where it comes from
A pictograph stylizing a dragon's head and serpentine body. Worshipped since ancient times as a divine beast that summons rain clouds. Simplified form of 龍.
What it carries
Symbolizes power, divinity, and auspiciousness. In the East, represents emperors and is a divine beast bringing success and prosperity.
Related kanji for "dragon"
dragon
ryuu · powerful, mysterious
Pictograph of a divine beast that summons clouds and brings rain
dragon
shin · powerful, spiritual
Shape of clam with foot out. Time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for dragon?
The most common kanji for "dragon" is 竜, read as ryuu. It means dragon, imperial. Related kanji: 龍 (dragon), 辰 (dragon).
How many strokes does 竜 have?
竜 has 10 strokes.