毀
break · destroy · censure · be chipped · be scratched · be broken · be ruined
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'mortar' (臼) with 'strike' (殳), representing destroying by crushing like in a mortar.
Symbolism
Symbolizes destruction, slander, and damage. Represents physical destruction and damaging reputation.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Destruction and rebirth
Component Breakdown
臼 + earth + weapon
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
毀誉褒貶
きよほうへん
praise and censure; public criticisms
廃仏毀釈
はいぶつきしゃく
abolish Buddhism, destroy Shākyamuni (slogan of anti-Buddhist movement at the beginning of the Meiji era)
哀毀骨立
あいきこつりつ
losing weight and becoming bony because of grief
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 毀 mean in Japanese?
毀 means break, destroy, censure, be chipped, be scratched, be broken, be ruined.
How do you read 毀?
On'yomi: キ (KI). Kun'yomi: こぼ.つ、こわ.す、こぼ.れる、こわ.れる、そし.る、やぶ.る (kobotsu, kowasu, koboreru, kowareru, soshiru, yaburu).
How many strokes does 毀 have?
毀 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 殳 (weapon).
Is 毀 a good kanji for a tattoo?
毀 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means break, destroy, censure, be chipped, be scratched, be broken, be ruined. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.