Details
Description
Shadow - the hidden side, ninja arts, duality.
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
Sun + capital + hair/light
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of scenery and pattern. Shape created by light.
Symbolism
Shadow, phantom, presence. Represents contrast of light and dark, hidden existence.
Anime & Manga
NARUTO
なると
Naruto(2002)
The 'Kage' title (Hokage, Mizukage, etc.) is a key element
View on Amazon →陰の実力者になりたくて！
かげのじつりょくしゃになりたくて
The Eminence in Shadow(2022)
Comedy about protagonist aspiring to be a 'shadow ruler'
View on Amazon →シャドーハウス
しゃどーはうす
Shadows House(2021)
Mysterious story of shadow-like nobles and 'living dolls'
View on Amazon →Games
ゼルダの伝説 ティアーズ オブ ザ キングダム
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom(2023)
Shadow-based puzzles and battles with Phantom Ganon
View on Amazon →Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
孤影悄然
こえいしょうぜん
alone and dejected; lonely and downhearted; lonely and crestfallen; alone and dejected
形影一如
けいえいいちにょ
being inseparable as a form and its shadow; a person's deed mirrors the good or evil of his mind; husband and wife being never apart; being inseparable as a form and its shadow
夢幻泡影
むげんほうよう
a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow (metaphor for the transience of life); a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow (metaphor for the transience of life)
Proverbs & Idioms
影を落とす
かげをおとす
To cast a shadow
To have a negative influence or create a dark atmosphere
影を潜める
かげをひそめる
To hide one's shadow
To disappear from sight or become inconspicuous
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 影 mean in Japanese?
影 means shadow, silhouette, phantom. Shadow - the hidden side, ninja arts, duality.
How do you read 影?
On'yomi: エイ (EI). Kun'yomi: かげ (kage).
How many strokes does 影 have?
影 has 15 strokes. Its radical is 彡 (bristle).
Is 影 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 影 (shadow, silhouette, phantom) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for shadow