Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of hill and sword. Strong like sword.
Symbolism
Sturdy, diamond, strong. Represents strength.
Component Breakdown
岡 + sword
Words & Expressions
Words written with 剛
Four-Character Compounds
外柔内剛
がいじゅうないごう
gentle but firm
質実剛健
しつじつごうけん
unaffected and sincere, with fortitude and vigor (vigour)
内柔外剛
ないじゅうがいごう
tough on the outside but soft at heart
外剛内柔
がいごうないじゅう
being tough on the outside but soft at heart; a faint-hearted person pretending to be brave
内剛外柔
ないごうがいじゅう
gentle on the outside but tough on the inside; an iron hand in a velvet glove
剛毅果断
ごうきかだん
dauntless and decisive; with fortitude and resolution
金剛不壊
こんごうふえ
firm and solid; sturdy and indestructible; unshakable
剛毅木訥
ごうきぼくとつ
Strong and unpretentious; Sturdy and honest in character
Related Figures & Stories
麻田剛立
Name contains 剛
Asada Gōryū was a Japanese physician and astronomer who helped integrate western and Japanese astronomy in the Edo period.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
“strength”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 剛 mean in Japanese?
剛 means sturdy, strength.
How do you read 剛?
On'yomi: ゴウ (GOU).
How many strokes does 剛 have?
剛 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 刀 (knife).
Is 剛 a good kanji for a tattoo?
剛 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means sturdy, strength. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:strength