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On'yomi
タン
TAN
Kun'yomi
みじか.い
mijikai

short · brevity · fault · defect · weak point

Details

Strokes12
Frequency#689
Radicalarrow(5)

Stroke Order

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Strokes12

Component Breakdown

=

left-right: 矢 + 豆

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of arrow and bean. Arrow short like a bean.

Symbolism

Short, weakness, short-term. Represents lack of length.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Feeling its meaning

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

一長一短

いっちょういったん

(something having its) merits and demerits; advantages and disadvantages; good points and shortcomings; (something having its) merits and demerits

軽薄短小

けいはくたんしょう

small, light and thin (of consumer products, esp. electronics); small, light and thin (of consumer products, esp. electronics)

短慮軽率

たんりょけいそつ

impulsive and imprudent; rash and unthinking; impulsive and imprudent

採長補短

さいちょうほたん

compensating for one's shortcomings by incorporating others' strong points; compensating for one's shortcomings by incorporating others' strong points

Proverbs & Idioms

短気は損気

たんきはそんき

A quick temper means quick loss

Impatience leads to regret

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 短 mean in Japanese?

短 means short, brevity, fault, defect, weak point.

How do you read 短?

On'yomi: タン (TAN). Kun'yomi: みじか.い (mijikai).

How many strokes does 短 have?

短 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 矢 (arrow).

Is 短 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 短 (short, brevity, fault, defect, weak point) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for short · kanji for brevity · kanji for fault · kanji for defect · kanji for weak point

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