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棋

On'yomi
キ
KI
Kun'yomi
ご
go

chess piece · Japanese chess · shogi

Details

Strokes12
Frequency#1311
Radical木tree(4)

Stroke Order

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Strokes12

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of tree and that. Wooden piece.

Symbolism

Shogi, Go, strategy. Represents intellectual contest.

Component Breakdown

棋=
木其

tree + 其

Words & Expressions

Words written with 棋

将棋しょうぎshogi
棋院きいんgo club
棋聖きせいgreat master of go
棋士きしprofessional go player
将棋倒ししょうぎだおしtoppling shogi pieces

Four-Character Compounds

将棋倒し

しょうぎだおし

Falling like shogi pieces; A chain reaction of collapses

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 棋 mean in Japanese?

棋 means chess piece, Japanese chess, shogi.

How do you read 棋?

On'yomi: キ (KI). Kun'yomi: ご (go).

How many strokes does 棋 have?

棋 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 木 (tree).

Is 棋 a good kanji for a tattoo?

棋 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means chess piece, Japanese chess, shogi. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.