却
instead · on the contrary · rather · step back · withdraw · retreat
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of leave and kneel. Leaving and retreating.
Symbolism
Rejection, return, rather. Represents dismissing.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Enjoying a meal
Component Breakdown
去 + 卩
Words & Expressions
Words written with 却
Four-Character Compounds
心頭滅却
しんとうめっきゃく
clearing one's mind of all worldly thoughts
Proverbs & Idioms
却って仇となる
かえってあだとなる
It backfires instead
Good intentions lead to the opposite result
Anime & Manga
空の境界 忘却録音
the Garden of sinners Chapter 6: Fairy Tale. (Oblivion Recording)
A well-known work with 却 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 却 mean in Japanese?
却 means instead, on the contrary, rather, step back, withdraw, retreat.
How do you read 却?
On'yomi: キャク (KYAKU). Kun'yomi: かえ.って、しりぞ.く、しりぞ.ける (kaette, shirizoku, shirizokeru).
How many strokes does 却 have?
却 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 卩 (seal).
Is 却 a good kanji for a tattoo?
却 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means instead, on the contrary, rather, step back, withdraw, retreat. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.