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On'yomi
メイ・ミョウ
MEI / MYOU
Kun'yomi
くら.い
kurai

dark

Details

Strokes10
Frequency#2349
Radicalcover(2)

Stroke Order

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Strokes10

Component Breakdown

=

cover + 昗

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of cover, sun, and six. Covering sun.

Symbolism

Underworld, hades, dark. Represents underworld.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Illuminating the darkness

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

頑冥不霊

がんめいふれい

stubborn and ignorant; stubborn and ignorant

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 冥 mean in Japanese?

冥 means dark.

How do you read 冥?

On'yomi: メイ、ミョウ (MEI, MYOU). Kun'yomi: くら.い (kurai).

How many strokes does 冥 have?

冥 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 冖 (cover).

Is 冥 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 冥 (dark) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for dark

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