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On'yomi
カイ
KAI
Kun'yomi
あらた.める・あらた.まる
aratameru / aratamaru

reformation · change · modify · mend · renew · examine · inspect · search

Details

Strokes7
Frequency#147
Radicalstrike(4)

Stroke Order

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Strokes7

Component Breakdown

=

己 + strike

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of self and strike. Reforming by striking self.

Symbolism

Reform, improvement, change. Represents making better.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • New beginning

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

朝令暮改

ちょうれいぼかい

an unsettled course of action; (orders or laws) being revised often with no guiding principles; an unsettled course of action

体質改善

たいしつかいぜん

improvement of one's constitution; reformation; improvement of one's constitution

改過自新

かいかじしん

changing one's attitude or conduct and making a new start; turning over a new leaf; changing one's attitude or conduct and making a new start

Proverbs & Idioms

改めるに憚ること勿れ

あらためるにはばかることなかれ

Do not hesitate to reform

When you realize a mistake, correct it without hesitation

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 改 mean in Japanese?

改 means reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search.

How do you read 改?

On'yomi: カイ (KAI). Kun'yomi: あらた.める、あらた.まる (aratameru, aratamaru).

How many strokes does 改 have?

改 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 攴 (strike).

Is 改 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 改 (reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

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