照
illuminate · shine · compare · bashful
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of sun, summon, and fire. Illuminating with sun and fire.
Symbolism
Lighting, sunshine, illuminate. Represents illuminating.
Component Breakdown
昭 + fire
Words & Expressions
Words written with 照
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
Proverbs & Idioms
日照りに雨
ひでりにあめ
Rain after a drought
Something long awaited finally arrives
Anime & Manga
茜部先生は照れ知らず
Akanabe-sensei wa Tereshirazu
A well-known work with 照 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
英照皇太后
Name contains 照
Asako Kujō , posthumously honoured as Empress Dowager Eishō , was the consort of Emperor Kōmei of Japan.
Wikipedia高岡智照
Name contains 照
Chishō Takaoka was a geisha in Shinbashi who became a Buddhist nun later in life.
Wikipedia北条氏照
Name contains 照
Hōjō Ujiteru was a Japanese samurai, who was the son of Hōjō Ujiyasu and lord of Hachiōji Castle in what is now Tokyo.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
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?
照 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means illuminate, shine, compare, bashful. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.