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On'yomi
キ・キュウ・キン
KI / KYUU / KIN
Kun'yomi
かめ
kame

tortoise · turtle

Details

Strokes11
Frequency#1353
Radicalsecond(1)

Stroke Order

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Strokes11

Cultural Context

Etymology

Pictograph of turtle.

Symbolism

Longevity, immortality, divination. Represents long life and mystery.

Seasonal

As "crane and turtle," symbolizes longevity and celebrations. "Turtle sings" is a spring seasonal word; used as good luck charm for New Year.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

亀毛兎角

きもうとかく

things that do not exist; fur on turtles, horns on rabbits; things that do not exist

兎角亀毛

とかくきもう

things that do not exist; horns on rabbits, fur on turtles; things that do not exist

盲亀浮木

もうきふぼく

unlikely event; rare occurrence; unlikely event

Proverbs & Idioms

鶴は千年、亀は万年

つるはせんねん、かめはまんねん

Cranes live a thousand years, turtles ten thousand

Wishing long life