Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
䒑 + 自
Cultural Context
Etymology
Pictograph depicting a neck/head.
Symbolism
Neck, first place, prime minister. Represents most important part.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
思案投首
しあんなげくび
being at one's wit's end; being (quite) at a loss (what to do); being at one's wit's end
首尾一貫
しゅびいっかん
consistent; unchanging from beginning to end; consistent
閉口頓首
へいこうとんしゅ
being at a complete loss as to what to do; being at one's wit's end; being at a loss for an answer; being at a complete loss as to what to do
鳩首協議
きゅうしゅきょうぎ
put heads together and confer; convene and discuss; go into a huddle (over); put heads together and confer
鳩首凝議
きゅうしゅぎょうぎ
put heads together and confer; convene and discuss; go into a huddle (over); put heads together and confer
鳩首謀議
きゅうしゅぼうぎ
go into a huddle (over); hold a secret conference (about); put heads together and conspire; go into a huddle (over)
首鼠両端
しゅそりょうたん
being unable to make up one's mind; sitting on the fence; being unable to make up one's mind
首尾貫徹
しゅびかんてつ
(logical) consistency; coherence; unchanging from beginning to end; (logical) consistency
頓首再拝
とんしゅさいはい
respectfully yours; respectfully yours
Proverbs & Idioms
首を長くして待つ
くびをながくしてまつ
Waiting with a long neck
Eagerly waiting for something
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 首 mean in Japanese?
首 means neck, counter for songs and poems.
How do you read 首?
On'yomi: シュ (SHU). Kun'yomi: くび (kubi).
How many strokes does 首 have?
首 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 首 (head).
Is 首 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 首 (neck, counter for songs and poems) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for neck