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On'yomi
ケイ
KEI

punish · penalty · sentence · punishment

Details

Strokes6
Frequency#864
Radicalknife(2)

Stroke Order

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Strokes6

Component Breakdown

=

开 + sword

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of well and sword. Punishing with sword.

Symbolism

Punishment, criminal, prison. Represents penalty.

Words & Expressions

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

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?

Yes. 刑 (punish, penalty, sentence, punishment) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for punish · kanji for penalty · kanji for sentence · kanji for punishment