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彦

On'yomi
ゲン
GEN
Kun'yomi
ひこ
hiko

lad · boy (ancient)

Details

Strokes9
Frequency#1117
Radical彡bristle(3)
Old Form彥

Stroke Order

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Strokes9

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of hair, cliff, and pattern. Decorated scholar.

Symbolism

Lad, honorific for men, name. Represents handsome man.

Component Breakdown

彦=
产彡

产 + 彡

Related Figures & Stories

東久邇宮稔彦王

Naruhiko Higashikuni1887–1990

Name contains 彦

Naruhiko, Prince Higashikuni was a member of the Japanese imperial family and general of the Imperial Japanese Army who served as the prime minister…

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河上彦斎

Kawakami Gensai1834–1872

Name contains 彦

Kawakami Gensai was a Japanese samurai of the late Edo period.

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上村彦之丞

Kamimura Hikonojō1849–1916

Name contains 彦

Baron Kamimura Hikonojō was an early Japanese admiral of the Imperial Japanese Navy, commanding the IJN 2nd Fleet during the Russo-Japanese War, most…

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三島弥彦

Yahiko Mishima1886–1954

Name contains 彦

Yahiko Mishima was a Japanese track and field athlete who competed in the 1912 Summer Olympics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does 彦 mean in Japanese?

彦 means lad, boy (ancient).

How do you read 彦?

On'yomi: ゲン (GEN). Kun'yomi: ひこ (hiko).

How many strokes does 彦 have?

彦 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 彡 (bristle).

Is 彦 a good kanji for a tattoo?

彦 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means lad, boy (ancient). Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.