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吏
On'yomi
リ
RI
officer · an official
Details
Strokes6
Radical口mouth(3)
Stroke Order
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Strokes6
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'mouth' (口, command) with 'historian' (史), representing lower officials handling clerical work in government offices. The prototype of civil servants.
Symbolism
Symbolizes bureaucracy, administration, and public service. Represents practitioners supporting state apparatus and organized governance.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Ice crystals
Component Breakdown
吏=
一史
one + 史
Words & Expressions
Words written with 吏
官吏かんりcivil servant
Four-Character Compounds
貪官汚吏
たんかんおり
corrupt government official
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 吏 mean in Japanese?
吏 means officer, an official.
How do you read 吏?
On'yomi: リ (RI).
How many strokes does 吏 have?
吏 has 6 strokes. Its radical is 口 (mouth).
Is 吏 a good kanji for a tattoo?
吏 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means officer, an official. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.