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Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes11
Component Breakdown
菊=
艹匊
grass + 匊
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of grass and phonetic. Flower blooming in autumn.
Symbolism
Chrysanthemum, imperial, longevity. Represents Japanese imperial crest.
Seasonal
Autumn flower blooming September to November. High status as Chrysanthemum Festival flower and imperial crest. Season of chrysanthemum dolls.
Words & Expressions
Proverbs & Idioms
菊に寄る蝶
きくによるちょう
Butterflies gather to chrysanthemums
People are naturally drawn to excellence
Poetry
和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
心あてに 折らばや折らむ 初霜の おきまどはせる 白菊の花
Poem #29 from Hyakunin Isshu
凡河内躬恒Ōshikōchi no Mitsune
10th centuryFrequently Asked Questions
What does 菊 mean in Japanese?
菊 means chrysanthemum.
How do you read 菊?
On'yomi: キク (KIKU).
How many strokes does 菊 have?
菊 has 11 strokes. Its radical is 艸 (grass).
Is 菊 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 菊 (chrysanthemum) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.