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On'yomi
タン
TAN
Kun'yomi
すみ
sumi

charcoal · coal

Details

Strokes9
Frequency#1307
Radicalfire(4)

Stroke Order

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Strokes9

Component Breakdown

=

mountain + 灰

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of mountain and ash. Ash of mountain.

Symbolism

Charcoal, coal, fuel. Represents charcoal.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

炭火焼き

すみびやき

Charcoal grilled; Food cooked over charcoal

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 炭 mean in Japanese?

炭 means charcoal, coal.

How do you read 炭?

On'yomi: タン (TAN). Kun'yomi: すみ (sumi).

How many strokes does 炭 have?

炭 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 火 (fire).

Is 炭 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 炭 (charcoal, coal) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.