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劣
On'yomi
レツ
RETSU
Kun'yomi
おと.る
otoru
inferiority · be inferior to · be worse
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes6
Component Breakdown
劣=
少力
少 + power
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'few' (少) with 'strength' (力), representing having little strength—being inferior.
Symbolism
Symbolizes inferiority, weakness, and deficiency. Represents inadequacy in comparison with superior things.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
優勝劣敗
ゆうしょうれっぱい
survival of the fittest; survival of the fittest
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 劣 mean in Japanese?
劣 means inferiority, be inferior to, be worse.
How do you read 劣?
On'yomi: レツ (RETSU). Kun'yomi: おと.る (otoru).
How many strokes does 劣 have?
劣 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 力 (power).
Is 劣 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 劣 (inferiority, be inferior to, be worse) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.