Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Samurai dolls displayed for Boys' Day (Tango no Sekku). The armor and helmet worn by warrior dolls symbolize wishes for boys' growth and martial fortune. Sengoku warlords' armor are valued as art, each featuring unique designs.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
甲冑堂々
かっちゅうどうどう
majestic in full armor - imposing and dignified
鎧袖一触
A single touch of an armored sleeve - to defeat easily
Proverbs & Idioms
錦を着て故郷に帰る
Return home in fine clothes (armor) - to return successful
Anime & Manga
鋼の錬金術師
Fullmetal Alchemist
Alphonse Elric's soul is bound to a suit of full plate armour. The armour is the character — an unusual premise that puts this word at the centre of the story.
Related Figures & Stories
武田信玄
(たけだしんげん)The Suwa-hossho helmet, and the red-armoured units of his army
Lord of Kai, depicted in the Suwa-hossho helmet with its fall of white hair. The red-armoured units under his commanders Obu Toramasa and Yamagata Masakage had every piece lacquered vermilion and were feared for it.
伊達政宗
(だてまさむね)His black-lacquered five-piece cuirass survives
First lord of Sendai. His black-lacquered five-piece cuirass survives together with the crescent-moon helmet, and the set is a key record of how early-modern armour was worn.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“armor”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鎧 mean in Japanese?
鎧 means armor, armour, suit of armor.
How do you read 鎧?
On'yomi: ガイ、カイ (GAI, KAI). Kun'yomi: よろい (yoroi).
How many strokes does 鎧 have?
鎧 has 18 strokes.
Is 鎧 a good kanji for a tattoo?
鎧 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means armor, armour, suit of armor. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:armor