筆
writing brush · writing · painting brush · handwriting
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
bamboo + brush
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of bamboo and brush. Bamboo brush.
Symbolism
Brush, writing brush, writing. Represents brush.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
特筆大書
とくひつたいしょ
(printed or written in) large letters; (printed or written in) large letters
一筆啓上
いっぴつけいじょう
this will just be a short note; I'm writing to tell you; this will just be a short note
懸腕直筆
けんわんちょくひつ
calligraphy technique of holding the brush perpendicularly, lower arm raised, and elbow held away from the body; calligraphy technique of holding the brush perpendicularly, lower arm raised, and elbow held away from the body
舞文曲筆
ぶぶんきょくひつ
twisting of the truth in one's writing; playing with text to distort the truth; twisting of the truth in one's writing
Proverbs & Idioms
弘法にも筆の誤り
こうぼうにもふでのあやまり
Even Kobo makes mistakes with the brush
Even experts make mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 筆 mean in Japanese?
筆 means writing brush, writing, painting brush, handwriting.
How do you read 筆?
On'yomi: ヒツ (HITSU). Kun'yomi: ふで (fude).
How many strokes does 筆 have?
筆 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 竹 (bamboo).
Is 筆 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 筆 (writing brush, writing, painting brush, handwriting) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.