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On'yomi
ハン
HAN
Kun'yomi
めし
meshi

meal · boiled rice

Details

Strokes12
Frequency#1046
Radicaleat(9)

Stroke Order

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Strokes12

Component Breakdown

=

food + 反

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of food and return. Something eaten repeatedly.

Symbolism

Rice, breakfast, cooking rice. Represents Japanese staple food.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Ice crystals

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

一宿一飯

いっしゅくいっぱん

(being beholden to someone for a favor of) a night's lodging and a meal; (being beholden to someone for a favor of) a night's lodging and a meal

日常茶飯

にちじょうさはん

everyday occurrence; everyday occurrence

家常茶飯

かじょうさはん

everyday occurrence; commonplace of life; nothing out of the ordinary; everyday occurrence

椀飯振舞

おうばんぶるまい

lavish feast; splendid banquet; corporate largess; lavish feast

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 飯 mean in Japanese?

飯 means meal, boiled rice.

How do you read 飯?

On'yomi: ハン (HAN). Kun'yomi: めし (meshi).

How many strokes does 飯 have?

飯 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 食 (eat).

Is 飯 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 飯 (meal, boiled rice) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.