東
east
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Sun rising through trees. The sun rises from the east.
Symbolism
East, beginning, hope. Represents spring and wood in Five Elements.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
古今東西
ここんとうざい
all times and places; all ages and countries; all times and places
東西南北
とうざいなんぼく
east, west, south and north; east, west, south and north
東奔西走
とうほんせいそう
busying oneself about (something); being on the move; bestirring oneself; busying oneself about (something)
馬耳東風
ばじとうふう
utter indifference; talking to the wall; praying to deaf ears; utter indifference
東夷西戎
とういせいじゅう
barbarians to the east and to the west (from the perspective of old China); barbarians to the east and to the west (from the perspective of old China)
東西古今
とうざいここん
all times and places; everywhen and everywhere; all times and places
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 東 mean in Japanese?
東 means east.
How do you read 東?
On'yomi: トウ (TOU). Kun'yomi: ひがし (higashi).
How many strokes does 東 have?
東 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 木 (tree).
Is 東 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 東 (east) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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