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)
同盟罷業
どうめいひぎょう
strike
浮草稼業
うきくさかぎょう
precarious trade; unstable occupation; itinerant trade
創業守成
そうぎょうしゅせい
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
Anime & Manga
ありふれた職業で世界最強
Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest
A well-known work with 業 in its Japanese title.
転生賢者の異世界ライフ ～第二の職業を得て、世界最強になりました～
My Isekai Life: I Gained a Second Character Class and Became the Strongest Sage in the World!
A well-known work with 業 in its Japanese title.
ひぐらしのなく頃に業
Higurashi: When They Cry - GOU
A well-known work with 業 in its Japanese title.
ギルドの受付嬢ですが、残業は嫌なのでボスをソロ討伐しようと思います
I May Be a Guild Receptionist, but I’ll Solo Any Boss to Clock Out on Time
A well-known work with 業 in its Japanese title.
卒業生
Classmates
A well-known work with 業 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
在原業平
Name contains 業
Ariwara no Narihira na.ɾiꜜ.çi.ɾa], 825 – 9 July 880) was a Japanese courtier and waka poet of the early Heian period.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
“business”
“vocation”
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?
業 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means business, vocation, arts, performance. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:business · vocation · arts · performance