Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
metal + 帛
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of gold and silk. Fabric with gold thread.
Symbolism
Brocade picture, glory, beautiful. Represents gorgeous fabric.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
錦上添花
きんじょうてんか
adding a crowning touch of beauty (to); giving added luster (to); crowning beauty (honor, grace) with even greater glory; adding a crowning touch of beauty (to)
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
Proverbs & Idioms
故郷に錦を飾る
こきょうににしきをかざる
To return home in glory
To come back to one's hometown successful
Poetry
あらし吹く み室の山の もみぢ葉は 竜田の川の 錦なりけり
Poem #69 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 錦 mean in Japanese?
錦 means brocade, fine dress, honors.
How do you read 錦?
On'yomi: キン (KIN). Kun'yomi: にしき (nishiki).
How many strokes does 錦 have?
錦 has 16 strokes. Its radical is 金 (gold).
Is 錦 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 錦 (brocade, fine dress, honors) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.