改
reformation · change · modify · mend · renew · examine · inspect · search
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of self and strike. Reforming by striking self.
Symbolism
Reform, improvement, change. Represents making better.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — New beginning
Component Breakdown
己 + strike
Words & Expressions
Words written with 改
Four-Character Compounds
朝令暮改
ちょうれいぼかい
an unsettled course of action; (orders or laws) being revised often with no guiding principles
体質改善
たいしつかいぜん
improvement of one's constitution; reformation
改過自新
かいかじしん
changing one's attitude or conduct and making a new start; turning over a new leaf
Proverbs & Idioms
改めるに憚ること勿れ
あらためるにはばかることなかれ
Do not hesitate to reform
When you realize a mistake, correct it without hesitation
Anime & Manga
ドラゴンボール改
Dragon Ball Z Kai
A well-known work with 改 in its Japanese title.
リアリスト魔王による聖域なき異世界改革
The Reformation of the World as Overseen by a Realist Demon King
A well-known work with 改 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 改 mean in Japanese?
改 means reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search.
How do you read 改?
On'yomi: カイ (KAI). Kun'yomi: あらた.める、あらた.まる (aratameru, aratamaru).
How many strokes does 改 have?
改 has 7 strokes. Its radical is 攴 (strike).
Is 改 a good kanji for a tattoo?
改 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means reformation, change, modify, mend, renew, examine, inspect, search. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.