Space in Japanese

"space" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.

宙

chu

3 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "space". The most common choice is shown first.

間

Top pick

interval, space

Reading: kan

12 strokes

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Where it comes from

Sun/moon (日) visible through a gate (門). Gap, space between.

What it carries

Negative space, relationships, aesthetics of 'ma'. Important concept in Japanese art.

Related kanji for "space"

宙

space

chuu · nature

Composed of roof and reason. Reason under roof.

Details →欄

space

ran

Combines 'tree' (木) with an abbreviated form of 'fight' (闘), representing railings, fences, and partitions. Also means sectioned spaces like newspaper columns.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the Japanese kanji for space?

The most common kanji for "space" is 間, read as kan. It means interval, space. Related kanji: 宙 (space), 欄 (space).

How many strokes does 間 have?

間 has 12 strokes.