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On'yomi
デン・ネン
DEN / NEN
Kun'yomi
あゆ・なまず
ayu / namazu

freshwater trout · smelt

Details

Strokes16
Frequency#2201
Radicalfish(11)

Stroke Order

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Strokes16

Component Breakdown

=

fish + 占

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of fish and divine. Sacred fish used for divination.

Symbolism

Clear stream, summer, Japanese river fish. Represents pure rivers and summer.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Flow of water

Words & Expressions

Proverbs & Idioms

鮎の友釣り

あゆのともづり

Friend fishing for sweetfish

Using territorial instincts to catch fish

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 鮎 mean in Japanese?

鮎 means freshwater trout, smelt.

How do you read 鮎?

On'yomi: デン、ネン (DEN, NEN). Kun'yomi: あゆ、なまず (ayu, namazu).

How many strokes does 鮎 have?

鮎 has 16 strokes. Its radical is 魚 (fish).

Is 鮎 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 鮎 (freshwater trout, smelt) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.