Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Shape of decorated musical instrument. Work, skill.
Symbolism
Work, achievement, karma. '業' represents acts and their consequences.
Spiritual Meaning
Karma is central to Buddhism and Hinduism. The law that past actions determine present and future motivates spiritual self-improvement.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Cat relaxing
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
自業自得
じごうじとく
paying for one's mistakes; getting one's just deserts; suffering the consequences (of one's own actions); paying for one's mistakes
同盟罷業
どうめいひぎょう
strike; strike
浮草稼業
うきくさかぎょう
precarious trade; unstable occupation; itinerant trade; precarious trade
創業守成
そうぎょうしゅせい
starting an enterprise and (or) carrying it to final success; starting an enterprise and (or) carrying it to final success
人気稼業
にんきかぎょう
popular occupation; occupation largely dependent on public favor; popular occupation
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 業 mean in Japanese?
業 means business, vocation, arts, performance.
How do you read 業?
On'yomi: ギョウ、ゴウ (GYOU, GOU). Kun'yomi: わざ (waza).
How many strokes does 業 have?
業 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 木 (tree).
Is 業 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 業 (business, vocation, arts, performance) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
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