勉
exertion · endeavour · encourage · strive · make effort · diligent
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of escape and power. Cannot escape effort.
Symbolism
Study, diligence, encouragement. Represents effort and learning.
Component Breakdown
免 + power
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
刻苦勉励
こっくべんれい
being arduous; working diligently enduring hardships
Anime & Manga
ぼくたちは勉強ができない
We Never Learn: BOKUBEN
A well-known work with 勉 in its Japanese title.
GOLDEN BOY さすらいのお勉強野郎
GOLDEN BOY
A well-known work with 勉 in its Japanese title.
みだらな青ちゃんは勉強ができない
Ao-chan Can't Study!
A well-known work with 勉 in its Japanese title.
ゴールデンボーイ 〜さすらいのお勉強野郎〜
Golden Boy: Sasurai no Obenkyou Yarou
A well-known work with 勉 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 勉 mean in Japanese?
勉 means exertion, endeavour, encourage, strive, make effort, diligent.
How do you read 勉?
On'yomi: ベン (BEN). Kun'yomi: つと.める (tsutomeru).
How many strokes does 勉 have?
勉 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 力 (power).
Is 勉 a good kanji for a tattoo?
勉 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means exertion, endeavour, encourage, strive, make effort, diligent. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.