Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of samurai, weapon, and table. Shell to crack.
Symbolism
Shell, break shell, outer skin. Represents outer protection.
Component Breakdown
壳 + weapon
Words & Expressions
Words written with 殻
Four-Character Compounds
殻を破る
からをやぶる
To break out of one's shell; To overcome your limitations and grow beyond them
Anime & Manga
GHOST IN THE SHELL / 攻殻機動隊
Ghost in the Shell
A well-known work with 殻 in its Japanese title.
攻殻機動隊 STAND ALONE COMPLEX
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
A well-known work with 殻 in its Japanese title.
阿彌殻断層の怪
The Enigma of Amigara Fault
A well-known work with 殻 in its Japanese title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 殻 mean in Japanese?
殻 means husk, nut shell.
How do you read 殻?
On'yomi: カク、コク、バイ (KAKU, KOKU, BAI). Kun'yomi: から、がら (kara, gara).
How many strokes does 殻 have?
殻 has 11 strokes. Its radical is 殳 (weapon).
Is 殻 a good kanji for a tattoo?
殻 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means husk, nut shell. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.