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On'yomi
アイ
AI
Kun'yomi
あわ.れ・あわ.れむ・かな.しい
aware / awaremu / kanashii

pathetic · grief · sorrow · pathos · pity · sympathize

Details

Strokes9
Frequency#1715
Radicalmouth(3)

Stroke Order

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Strokes9

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of mouth and clothes. Lamenting in mourning clothes.

Symbolism

Sorrow, pathos, pity. Represents deep sadness and sympathy.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Pathos of transient beauty

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

喜怒哀楽

きどあいらく

human emotions (joy, anger, grief and pleasure); feelings; human emotions (joy, anger, grief and pleasure)

哀毀骨立

あいきこつりつ

losing weight and becoming bony because of grief; losing weight and becoming bony because of grief

Proverbs & Idioms

哀れみは人の情け

あわれみはひとのなさけ

Pity is human kindness

Compassion is a natural human emotion

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 哀 mean in Japanese?

哀 means pathetic, grief, sorrow, pathos, pity, sympathize.

How do you read 哀?

On'yomi: アイ (AI). Kun'yomi: あわ.れ、あわ.れむ、かな.しい (aware, awaremu, kanashii).

How many strokes does 哀 have?

哀 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 口 (mouth).

Is 哀 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 哀 (pathetic, grief, sorrow, pathos, pity, sympathize) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for pity