却
instead · on the contrary · rather · step back · withdraw · retreat
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
去 + 卩
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of leave and kneel. Leaving and retreating.
Symbolism
Rejection, return, rather. Represents dismissing.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Enjoying a meal
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
心頭滅却
しんとうめっきゃく
clearing one's mind of all worldly thoughts; clearing one's mind of all worldly thoughts
Proverbs & Idioms
却って仇となる
かえってあだとなる
It backfires instead
Good intentions lead to the opposite result
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 却 mean in Japanese?
却 means instead, on the contrary, rather, step back, withdraw, retreat.
How do you read 却?
On'yomi: キャク (KYAKU). Kun'yomi: かえ.って、しりぞ.く、しりぞ.ける (kaette, shirizoku, shirizokeru).
How many strokes does 却 have?
却 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 卩 (seal).
Is 却 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 却 (instead, on the contrary, rather, step back, withdraw, retreat) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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