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午

On'yomi
ゴ
GO
Kun'yomi
うま
uma

noon · sign of the horse · 11AM-1PM · seventh sign of Chinese zodiac

Details

Strokes4
Frequency#154
Radical十ten(2)

Description

Horse (zodiac) - the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, and noon, when the sun stands highest.

Stroke Order

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Strokes4

Cultural Context

Etymology

Pictograph of a pestle. When sun reaches its highest point at noon.

Symbolism

Noon, midpoint, horse in zodiac. Represents divisions of time.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • — Riding a horse

Words & Expressions

Words written with 午

午後ごごafternoon
午前中ごぜんちゅうin the morning

Proverbs & Idioms

午睡は知恵の泉

ごすいはちえのいずみ

An afternoon nap is a fountain of wisdom

A midday rest refreshes the mind

Other kanji with the same meaning

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 午 mean in Japanese?

午 means noon, sign of the horse, 11AM-1PM, seventh sign of Chinese zodiac. Horse (zodiac) - the seventh sign of the Chinese zodiac, and noon, when the sun stands highest.

How do you read 午?

On'yomi: ゴ (GO). Kun'yomi: うま (uma).

How many strokes does 午 have?

午 has 4 strokes. Its radical is 十 (ten).

Is 午 a good kanji for a tattoo?

午 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means noon, sign of the horse, 11AM-1PM, seventh sign of Chinese zodiac. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.

Explore by meaning:noon