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涙
On'yomi
ルイ・レイ
RUI / REI
Kun'yomi
なみだ
namida
tears · sympathy
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes10
Component Breakdown
涙=
氵戻
water + 戻
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'water' (氵) with 'return' (戻), representing water returning from the eyes—tears.
Symbolism
Symbolizes tears, emotion, and both sorrow and joy. Represents the purest form of deep human emotions manifesting outward.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
涙を呑む
なみだをのむ
Swallowing tears; Suppressing disappointment
Poetry
和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
思ひわび さてもいのちは あるものを 憂きにたへぬは 涙なりけり
Poem #82 from Hyakunin Isshu
道因法師Dōin Hōshi
12th century和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
嘆けとて 月やは物を 思はする かこち顔なる わが涙かな
Poem #86 from Hyakunin Isshu
西行法師Saigyō Hōshi
12th centuryFrequently Asked Questions
What does 涙 mean in Japanese?
涙 means tears, sympathy.
How do you read 涙?
On'yomi: ルイ、レイ (RUI, REI). Kun'yomi: なみだ (namida).
How many strokes does 涙 have?
涙 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 水 (water).
Is 涙 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 涙 (tears, sympathy) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for tears · kanji for sympathy