定
determine · fix · establish · decide
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of roof and correct. Deciding correctly under roof.
Symbolism
Decision, stability, determine. Represents deciding.
Spiritual Meaning
One of Buddhism's "Three Trainings" (precepts, concentration, wisdom). Samādhi—concentrating mind on one point—is the path to enlightenment.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
杓子定規
しゃくしじょうぎ
strict; hidebound; inflexible; strict
安定成長
あんていせいちょう
stable growth; stable growth
老少不定
ろうしょうふてい
death comes to old and young alike; uncertainty of life; death comes to old and young alike
会者定離
えしゃじょうり
those who meet must part (suggesting the transient nature of this life); we meet only to part; those who meet must part (suggesting the transient nature of this life)
百舌勘定
もずかんじょう
splitting the bill so that the others end up paying the whole amount; wheedling the others into paying the whole bill; splitting the bill so that the others end up paying the whole amount
兵隊勘定
へいたいかんじょう
Dutch treat; going Dutch; Dutch treat
Proverbs & Idioms
定めし無い世の習い
さだめしないよのならい
The way of an uncertain world
Life is unpredictable and nothing is guaranteed
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 定 mean in Japanese?
定 means determine, fix, establish, decide.
How do you read 定?
On'yomi: テイ、ジョウ (TEI, JOU). Kun'yomi: さだ.める、さだ.まる、さだ.か (sadameru, sadamaru, sadaka).
How many strokes does 定 have?
定 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 宀 (roof).
Is 定 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 定 (determine, fix, establish, decide) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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