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獅

On'yomi
シ
SHI

lion

Details

Strokes13
Frequency#2600
Radical犬dog(4)

Description

Lion - the beast of the shishi guardian figures that sit at shrine gates, and of the New Year lion dance.

Stroke Order

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Strokes13

Cultural Context

Etymology

The animal radical with a phonetic element, for the lion as it reached Japan through China.

Symbolism

Dignity and protection from evil. Familiar in Japan as shrine guardians and the New Year lion dance.

Words & Expressions

Words written with 獅

獅子ししlion
獅子女スフィンクスsphinx

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 獅 mean in Japanese?

獅 means lion. Lion - the beast of the shishi guardian figures that sit at shrine gates, and of the New Year lion dance.

How do you read 獅?

On'yomi: シ (SHI).

How many strokes does 獅 have?

獅 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 犬 (dog).

Is 獅 a good kanji for a tattoo?

獅 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means lion. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.

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