堅
strict · hard · solid · tough · tight · reliable
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of hard and earth. Hard earth.
Symbolism
Solid, steady, hard. Represents firmness.
Component Breakdown
臤 + earth
Words & Expressions
Words written with 堅
Four-Character Compounds
堅忍不抜
けんにんふばつ
indomitable perseverance; invincible fortitude
志操堅固
しそうけんご
being faithful to one's principles; being of firm purpose and deep commitment; constancy
要害堅固
ようがいけんご
(a fortress being) impregnable; unassailable
意志堅固
いしけんご
strong determination; strong-willed; having strong will power
堅白同異
けんぱくどうい
sophism; sophistry; quibbling
堅牢堅固
けんろうけんご
firm and solid; stout and durable
道心堅固
どうしんけんご
being of firm (unshakable) faith and strict practice
堅塞固塁
けんさいこるい
impregnable fortress; heavily guarded fort
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 堅 mean in Japanese?
堅 means strict, hard, solid, tough, tight, reliable.
How do you read 堅?
On'yomi: ケン (KEN). Kun'yomi: かた.い、-がた.い (katai, gatai).
How many strokes does 堅 have?
堅 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 土 (earth).
Is 堅 a good kanji for a tattoo?
堅 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means strict, hard, solid, tough, tight, reliable. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.