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On'yomi
ガン
GAN
Kun'yomi
いわ
iwa

boulder · rock · cliff

Details

Strokes8
Frequency#787
Radicalmountain(3)

Stroke Order

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Strokes8

Component Breakdown

=

mountain + stone

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of mountain and stone. Mountain stone.

Symbolism

Rock, immovable, solid. Represents unshakable strength.

Words & Expressions

Proverbs & Idioms

点滴石を穿つ

てんてきいしをうがつ

Dripping water wears through stone

Persistent small efforts lead to great results

Poetry

和歌(百人一首) (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))

風をいたみ 岩うつ波の おのれのみ くだけて物を 思ふころかな

Poem #48 from Hyakunin Isshu

源重之Minamoto no Shigeyuki
10th century
和歌(百人一首) (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))

瀬をはやみ 岩にせかるる 滝川の われても末に あはむとぞ思ふ

Poem #77 from Hyakunin Isshu

崇徳院崇徳院
Unknown

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 岩 mean in Japanese?

岩 means boulder, rock, cliff.

How do you read 岩?

On'yomi: ガン (GAN). Kun'yomi: いわ (iwa).

How many strokes does 岩 have?

岩 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 山 (mountain).

Is 岩 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 岩 (boulder, rock, cliff) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for boulder · kanji for rock · kanji for cliff