幻
phantasm · vision · dream · illusion · apparition
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Variation of thread. Illusion.
Symbolism
Fantasy, hallucination, illusion. Represents non-existence.
Spiritual Meaning
Buddhist concept of illusion. The teaching that all phenomena are like illusions without substance brings liberation from attachment.
Words & Expressions
Words written with 幻
Four-Character Compounds
変幻自在
へんげんじざい
phantasmagoric; protean; shape-shifting
泡沫夢幻
ほうまつむげん
transient; ephemeral; fleeting
夢幻泡沫
むげんほうまつ
transient; ephemeral; fleeting
夢幻泡影
むげんほうよう
a dream, an illusion, a bubble, a shadow (metaphor for the transience of life)
幻を追う
まぼろしをおう
To chase illusions; Pursuing unrealistic dreams
Anime & Manga
灰と幻想のグリムガル
Grimgar of Fantasy and Ash
A well-known work with 幻 in its Japanese title.
精霊幻想記
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles
A well-known work with 幻 in its Japanese title.
精霊幻想記2
Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Season 2
A well-known work with 幻 in its Japanese title.
劇場版 HUNTER×HUNTER 緋色の幻影（ファントム・ルージュ）
Hunter x Hunter: Phantom Rouge
A well-known work with 幻 in its Japanese title.
鬼人幻燈抄
Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho
A well-known work with 幻 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“vision”
“dream”
“illusion”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 幻 mean in Japanese?
幻 means phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition.
How do you read 幻?
On'yomi: ゲン (GEN). Kun'yomi: まぼろし (maboroshi).
How many strokes does 幻 have?
幻 has 4 strokes. Its radical is 幺 (short thread).
Is 幻 a good kanji for a tattoo?
幻 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means phantasm, vision, dream, illusion, apparition. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:vision · dream · illusion · apparition