照
illuminate · shine · compare · bashful
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
昭 + fire
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of sun, summon, and fire. Illuminating with sun and fire.
Symbolism
Lighting, sunshine, illuminate. Represents illuminating.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
脚下照顧
きゃっかしょうこ
look carefully where your own footsteps fall; seek enlightenment by knowing yourself and not by watching others; know thyself; look carefully where your own footsteps fall
Proverbs & Idioms
日照りに雨
ひでりにあめ
Rain after a drought
Something long awaited finally arrives
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 照 mean in Japanese?
照 means illuminate, shine, compare, bashful.
How do you read 照?
On'yomi: ショウ (SHOU). Kun'yomi: て.る、て.らす、て.れる (teru, terasu, tereru).
How many strokes does 照 have?
照 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 火 (fire).
Is 照 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 照 (illuminate, shine, compare, bashful) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for shine · kanji for compare