劣
inferiority · be inferior to · be worse
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'few' (少) with 'strength' (力), representing having little strength—being inferior.
Symbolism
Symbolizes inferiority, weakness, and deficiency. Represents inadequacy in comparison with superior things.
Component Breakdown
少 + power
Words & Expressions
Words written with 劣
Four-Character Compounds
優勝劣敗
ゆうしょうれっぱい
survival of the fittest
Anime & Manga
魔法科高校の劣等生
The Irregular at Magic High School
A well-known work with 劣 in its Japanese title.
劇場版 魔法科高校の劣等生 星を呼ぶ少女
The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie: The Girl Who Summons the Stars
A well-known work with 劣 in its Japanese title.
劣等眼の転生魔術師 ～虐げられた元勇者は未来の世界を余裕で生き抜く～
Rettougan no Tensei Majutsushi: Shiitagerareta Moto Yuusha wa Mirai no Sekai wo Yoyuu de Ikinuku
A well-known work with 劣 in its Japanese title.
劣等人の魔剣使い スキルボードを駆使して最強に至る
The Inferior Magic Swordsman
A well-known work with 劣 in its Japanese title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 劣 mean in Japanese?
劣 means inferiority, be inferior to, be worse.
How do you read 劣?
On'yomi: レツ (RETSU). Kun'yomi: おと.る (otoru).
How many strokes does 劣 have?
劣 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 力 (power).
Is 劣 a good kanji for a tattoo?
劣 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means inferiority, be inferior to, be worse. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.