Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'thread' (幺, meaning fine/small) with 'strength' (力), depicting a state where power is still weak and undeveloped—young age.
Symbolism
Symbolizes youth, innocence, and the beginning of growth. Represents beings needing protection and unlimited potential.
Component Breakdown
幺 + power
Words & Expressions
Words written with 幼
Four-Character Compounds
幼馴染み
おさななじみ
Childhood friend; A friend since childhood
Anime & Manga
幼女戦記
Saga of Tanya the Evil
A well-known work with 幼 in its Japanese title.
俺の彼女と幼なじみが修羅場すぎる
Oreshura
A well-known work with 幼 in its Japanese title.
劇場版 幼女戦記
Saga of Tanya the Evil - the Movie -
A well-known work with 幼 in its Japanese title.
幼女戦記Ⅱ
Saga of Tanya the Evil Season 2
A well-known work with 幼 in its Japanese title.
幼なじみが絶対に負けないラブコメ
Osamake: Romcom Where The Childhood Friend Won't Lose
A well-known work with 幼 in its Japanese title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 幼 mean in Japanese?
幼 means infancy, childhood.
How do you read 幼?
On'yomi: ヨウ (YOU). Kun'yomi: おさな.い (osanai).
How many strokes does 幼 have?
幼 has 5 strokes. Its radical is 幺 (short thread).
Is 幼 a good kanji for a tattoo?
幼 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means infancy, childhood. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.