Letter in Japanese
"letter" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "letter". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
手紙 (tegami) is a letter you post, written from 手 hand and 紙 paper. 字 is a letter of the alphabet or a written character — a different sense entirely. English uses letter for both, Japanese does not.
Top pick
hand
Reading: shu
4 strokes
Where it comes from
Pictograph depicting a hand with five fingers.
What it carries
Skill, work, assistance. Represents human agency.
Related kanji for "letter"
letter
shi
Composed of thread and clan. Paper made from fibers.
letter
ji · wisdom
Composed of roof and child. Raising child at home, character.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for letter?
The most common kanji for "letter" is 手, read as shu. It means hand. Related kanji: 紙 (letter), 字 (letter).
How many strokes does 手 have?
手 has 4 strokes.