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塔
On'yomi
トウ
TOU
pagoda · tower · steeple
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes12
Component Breakdown
塔=
土荅
earth + 荅
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of earth and phonetic. Earth tower.
Symbolism
Tower, pagoda, stupa. Represents tower.
Spiritual Meaning
Buddhist architecture housing Buddha's relics. "Five-story pagoda" symbolizes cosmic structure, a sacred structure embodying Buddha's teachings.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Praying to the gods
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
堂塔伽藍
どうとうがらん
religious buildings (temples, shrines, pagodas, etc.); religious buildings (temples, shrines, pagodas, etc.)
Proverbs & Idioms
砂上の楼閣
さじょうのろうかく
A castle on sand
Something built on an unstable foundation
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 塔 mean in Japanese?
塔 means pagoda, tower, steeple.
How do you read 塔?
On'yomi: トウ (TOU).
How many strokes does 塔 have?
塔 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 土 (earth).
Is 塔 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 塔 (pagoda, tower, steeple) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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