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On'yomi
レツ
RETSU
Kun'yomi
さ.く・さ.ける・-ぎ.れ
saku / sakeru / gire

split · rend · tear

Details

Strokes12
Frequency#1041
Radicalclothes(6)

Stroke Order

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Strokes12

Component Breakdown

=

列 + clothes

Cultural Context

Etymology

Combines 'clothing' (衤) with 'divide' (列), representing tearing cloth apart.

Symbolism

Symbolizes splitting, destruction, and rupture. Represents violent change where something unified is torn apart.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

四分五裂

しぶんごれつ

torn asunder; disrupted and disorganized; torn asunder

支離滅裂

しりめつれつ

incoherent; inconsistent; illogical; incoherent

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 裂 mean in Japanese?

裂 means split, rend, tear.

How do you read 裂?

On'yomi: レツ (RETSU). Kun'yomi: さ.く、さ.ける、-ぎ.れ (saku, sakeru, gire).

How many strokes does 裂 have?

裂 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 衣 (clothes).

Is 裂 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 裂 (split, rend, tear) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for split · kanji for rend · kanji for tear