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On'yomi
ボク
BOKU
Kun'yomi
すみ
sumi

black ink · India ink · ink stick · Mexico

Details

Strokes14
Frequency#1616
Radicalearth(3)
Old Form

Stroke Order

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Strokes14

Component Breakdown

=

黑 + earth

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of black and earth. Black earth.

Symbolism

Ink, ink stick, ink painting. Represents ink.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

文人墨客

ぶんじんぼっかく

writers and artists; persons who take delight in such refined pursuits as poetry, literature, painting and calligraphy; writers and artists

旧套墨守

きゅうとうぼくしゅ

clinging to old customs; adhering to old traditions; clinging to old customs

墨痕淋漓

ぼっこんりんり

in bold, vivid brush strokes; in bold, vivid brush strokes

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 墨 mean in Japanese?

墨 means black ink, India ink, ink stick, Mexico.

How do you read 墨?

On'yomi: ボク (BOKU). Kun'yomi: すみ (sumi).

How many strokes does 墨 have?

墨 has 14 strokes. Its radical is 土 (earth).

Is 墨 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 墨 (black ink, India ink, ink stick, Mexico) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.