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乏
On'yomi
ボウ
BOU
Kun'yomi
とぼ.しい・とも.しい
toboshii / tomoshii
destitution · scarce · limited
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes4
Component Breakdown
乏=
丿之
丿 + 之
Cultural Context
Etymology
Reversed shape of correct. Lacking.
Symbolism
Poor, lacking, shortage. Represents lacking.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
器用貧乏
きようびんぼう
jack of all trades, master of none; jack of all trades, master of none
耐乏生活
たいぼうせいかつ
hard life; life of austerity; hard life
困苦欠乏
こんくけつぼう
hardships and privations; hardships and privations
困苦窮乏
こんくきゅうぼう
hardships and privations; hardships and privations
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 乏 mean in Japanese?
乏 means destitution, scarce, limited.
How do you read 乏?
On'yomi: ボウ (BOU). Kun'yomi: とぼ.しい、とも.しい (toboshii, tomoshii).
How many strokes does 乏 have?
乏 has 4 strokes. Its radical is 丿 (slash).
Is 乏 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 乏 (destitution, scarce, limited) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.