Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
king + 丶
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape of jade strung on cord. Jewel.
Symbolism
Jewel, beautiful, precious. Represents beauty and value.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
玉石混交
ぎょくせきこんこう
mixed bag; mixture of good and bad; jumble of wheat and chaff; mixed bag
金科玉条
きんかぎょくじょう
golden rule (basic principle ensuring success in some activity); golden rule (basic principle ensuring success in some activity)
金殿玉楼
きんでんぎょくろう
magnificent palace; magnificent palace
金枝玉葉
きんしぎょくよう
member of the Imperial family; royalty; beautiful clouds; member of the Imperial family
金烏玉兎
きんうぎょくと
sun and moon; sun and moon
象箸玉杯
ぞうちょぎょくはい
living a lavish lifestyle; ivory chopsticks and jade cups; living a lavish lifestyle
錦衣玉食
きんいぎょくしょく
beautiful clothes and fine food; life of luxury; beautiful clothes and fine food
Poetry
白露に 風の吹きしく 秋の野は つらぬきとめぬ 玉ぞ散りける
Poem #37 from Hyakunin Isshu
玉のをよ たえなばたえね ながらへば 忍ぶることの 弱りもぞする
Poem #89 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 玉 mean in Japanese?
玉 means jewel, ball.
How do you read 玉?
On'yomi: ギョク (GYOKU). Kun'yomi: たま、たま-、-だま (tama, tama, dama).
How many strokes does 玉 have?
玉 has 5 strokes. Its radical is 玉 (jade).
Is 玉 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 玉 (jewel, ball) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for jewel · kanji for ball