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On'yomi
ガン
GAN
Kun'yomi
いわ・いわお・けわ.しい
iwa / iwao / kewashii

rock · crag · boulder

Details

Strokes20
Frequency#1986
Radicalmountain(3)

Stroke Order

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Strokes20

Component Breakdown

=

mountain + 厳

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of mountain and stern. Stern mountain rock.

Symbolism

Rock, solid, immovable. Represents unshakable strength.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

枯木寒巌

こぼくかんがん

withered trees and frozen rocks; a person that is hard to approach; withered trees and frozen rocks

Proverbs & Idioms

巌の如く動ぜず

いわおのごとくどうぜず

Unmoved like a rock

Remaining steadfast regardless of circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 巌 mean in Japanese?

巌 means rock, crag, boulder.

How do you read 巌?

On'yomi: ガン (GAN). Kun'yomi: いわ、いわお、けわ.しい (iwa, iwao, kewashii).

How many strokes does 巌 have?

巌 has 20 strokes. Its radical is 山 (mountain).

Is 巌 a good kanji for a tattoo?

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

Explore by meaning:kanji for rock · kanji for boulder