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On'yomi
コウ・ゴウ
KOU / GOU
Kun'yomi
おおとり・ひしくい・おおがり
ootori / hishikui / oogari

large bird · wild goose · large · great · powerful · prosperous

Details

Strokes17
Frequency#2111
Radicalbird(11)

Stroke Order

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Strokes17

Component Breakdown

=

water + 䲨

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of river and bird. Large bird.

Symbolism

Wild goose, grand plan, magnificent. Represents large bird.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Birds flying

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

燕雀鴻鵠

えんじゃくこうこく

how can a small bird (a sparrow, a petty person) understand the aspirations of a great bird (a phoenix); only a hero can understand a hero; how can a small bird (a sparrow, a petty person) understand the aspirations of a great bird (a phoenix)

雪泥鴻爪

せつでいのこうそう

ephemeral nature of human deeds and events; evanescence of human affairs; leaving no trace; ephemeral nature of human deeds and events

鴻鵠の志

こうこくのこころざし

The ambition of a swan; Grand aspirations and lofty ideals

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 鴻 mean in Japanese?

鴻 means large bird, wild goose, large, great, powerful, prosperous.

How do you read 鴻?

On'yomi: コウ、ゴウ (KOU, GOU). Kun'yomi: おおとり、ひしくい、おおがり (ootori, hishikui, oogari).

How many strokes does 鴻 have?

鴻 has 17 strokes. Its radical is 鳥 (bird).

Is 鴻 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 鴻 (large bird, wild goose, large, great, powerful, prosperous) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for large · kanji for great · kanji for powerful · kanji for prosperous