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淡
On'yomi
タン
TAN
Kun'yomi
あわ.い
awai
thin · faint · pale · fleeting
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes11
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of water and flame. Water diluted by flame.
Symbolism
Fresh water, light, plain. Represents lightness.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Pondering thoughts
Component Breakdown
淡=
氵炎
water + 炎
Words & Expressions
Words written with 淡
Four-Character Compounds
無欲恬淡
むよくてんたん
indifferent to worldly gain
虚無恬淡
きょむてんたん
rising above the trivia of life and remaining calm and selfless
Poetry
和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
淡路島 かよふ千鳥の 鳴く声に 幾夜ねざめぬ 須磨の関守
Poem #78 from Hyakunin Isshu
源兼昌源兼昌
UnknownOther kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 淡 mean in Japanese?
淡 means thin, faint, pale, fleeting.
How do you read 淡?
On'yomi: タン (TAN). Kun'yomi: あわ.い (awai).
How many strokes does 淡 have?
淡 has 11 strokes. Its radical is 水 (water).
Is 淡 a good kanji for a tattoo?
淡 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means thin, faint, pale, fleeting. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.