Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
village + fire
Cultural Context
Etymology
Simplified form. Window blackened by soot.
Symbolism
Black, darkness, evil. '黒' also represents mystery and dignity.
Anime & Manga
黒子のバスケ
くろこのばすけ
Kuroko's Basketball(2008)
Author: Tadatoshi Fujimaki
'Black' in protagonist's name 'Kuroko Tetsuya'; his weak presence is his special ability.
View on Amazon →黒執事
くろしつじ
Black Butler(2006)
Author: Yana Toboso
'Black' in the title symbolizes the demon butler Sebastian's jet-black appearance.
View on Amazon →Games
ポケットモンスター ブラック・ホワイト
Pokémon Black and White(2010)
Developer: Game Freak
'Black' is the version name symbolizing Zekrom. Themes of truth and ideals.
View on Amazon →Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
暗黒時代
あんこくじだい
Dark Ages; dark age; Dark Ages
黒風白雨
こくふうはくう
sudden rain shower in a dust storm; sudden rain shower in a dust storm
Proverbs & Idioms
黒白をつける
こくびゃくをつける
To distinguish black and white
To determine right from wrong
Poetry
長からむ 心も知らず 黒髪の 乱れてけさは 物をこそ思へ
Poem #80 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 黒 mean in Japanese?
黒 means black.
How do you read 黒?
On'yomi: コク (KOKU). Kun'yomi: くろ、くろ.ずむ、くろ.い (kuro, kurozumu, kuroi).
How many strokes does 黒 have?
黒 has 11 strokes. Its radical is 黒 (black).
Is 黒 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 黒 (black) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for black