Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of well and sword. Punishing with sword.
Symbolism
Punishment, criminal, prison. Represents penalty.
Component Breakdown
开 + sword
Words & Expressions
Words written with 刑
Proverbs & Idioms
刑は軽きを以て貴しとなす
けいはかるきをもっととうとしとなす
Light punishment is valued
Mild penalties are preferable to harsh ones
Anime & Manga
勇者刑に処す 懲罰勇者9004隊刑務記録
Sentenced to Be a Hero
A well-known work with 刑 in its Japanese title.
富豪刑事 Balance:UNLIMITED
The Millionaire Detective - Balance: UNLIMITED
A well-known work with 刑 in its Japanese title.
処刑少女の生きる道（バージンロード）
The Executioner and Her Way of Life
A well-known work with 刑 in its Japanese title.
処刑された賢者はリッチに転生して侵略戦争を始める
The Executed Sage Who Was Reincarnated as a Lich Started an All-Out War
A well-known work with 刑 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“punish”
“penalty”
“sentence”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 刑 mean in Japanese?
刑 means punish, penalty, sentence, punishment.
How do you read 刑?
On'yomi: ケイ (KEI).
How many strokes does 刑 have?
刑 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 刀 (knife).
Is 刑 a good kanji for a tattoo?
刑 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means punish, penalty, sentence, punishment. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:punish · penalty · sentence · punishment