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On'yomi
ソウ
SOU
Kun'yomi
つめ・つま-
tsume / tsuma

claw · nail · talon

Details

Strokes4
Frequency#2025
Radicalclaw(4)

Stroke Order

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Strokes4

Cultural Context

Etymology

Pictograph of claw.

Symbolism

Claw, nail, talon. Represents claw.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Upholding the law

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

雪泥鴻爪

せつでいのこうそう

ephemeral nature of human deeds and events; evanescence of human affairs; leaving no trace; ephemeral nature of human deeds and events

Proverbs & Idioms

爪の垢を煎じて飲む

つめのあかをせんじてのむ

Boiling and drinking nail dirt

Learning from an admirable person

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 爪 mean in Japanese?

爪 means claw, nail, talon.

How do you read 爪?

On'yomi: ソウ (SOU). Kun'yomi: つめ、つま- (tsume, tsuma).

How many strokes does 爪 have?

爪 has 4 strokes. Its radical is 爪 (claw).

Is 爪 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 爪 (claw, nail, talon) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

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