昔
once upon a time · antiquity · old times
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
top-bottom: 廿 + sun
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape of two suns stacked. Past days.
Symbolism
Past, old times, history. Represents past.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Flow of time
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
十年一昔
じゅうねんひとむかし
the pace of change makes ten years back seem like ancient history; the pace of change makes ten years back seem like ancient history
Proverbs & Idioms
昔取った杵柄
むかしとったきねづか
Skills once learned are never forgotten
Expertise from the past remains with you
Poetry
誰をかも 知る人にせむ 高砂の 松も昔の 友ならなくに
Poem #34 from Hyakunin Isshu
人はいさ 心も知らず ふるさとは 花ぞ昔の 香に匂ひける
Poem #35 from Hyakunin Isshu
あひ見ての のちの心に くらぶれば 昔は物を 思はざりけり
Poem #43 from Hyakunin Isshu
百敷や ふるき軒端の しのぶにも なほあまりある 昔なりけり
Poem #100 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 昔 mean in Japanese?
昔 means once upon a time, antiquity, old times.
How do you read 昔?
On'yomi: セキ、シャク (SEKI, SHAKU). Kun'yomi: むかし (mukashi).
How many strokes does 昔 have?
昔 has 8 strokes. Its radical is 日 (sun).
Is 昔 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 昔 (once upon a time, antiquity, old times) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for old times