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哺
On'yomi
ホ
HO
Kun'yomi
はぐく.む・ふく.む
hagukumu / fukumu
nurse · suckle
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes10
Component Breakdown
哺=
口甫
mouth + 甫
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'mouth' (口) with 'nurture' (甫), representing feeding and raising with the mouth.
Symbolism
Symbolizes nursing, nurturing, and parental love. Represents instinctive love of animals raising young by mouth-feeding.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
握髪吐哺
あくはつとほ
(a statesman making) extraordinary efforts to find and employ capable persons (persons of great wisdom); (a statesman making) extraordinary efforts to find and employ capable persons (persons of great wisdom)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 哺 mean in Japanese?
哺 means nurse, suckle.
How do you read 哺?
On'yomi: ホ (HO). Kun'yomi: はぐく.む、ふく.む (hagukumu, fukumu).
How many strokes does 哺 have?
哺 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 口 (mouth).
Is 哺 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 哺 (nurse, suckle) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.