短
short · brevity · fault · defect · weak point
Details
Stroke Order
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
Component Breakdown
left-right: 矢 + 豆
Words & Expressions
Words written with 短
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
軽薄短小
けいはくたんしょう
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
採長補短
さいちょうほたん
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
Anime & Manga
夜は短し歩けよ乙女
The Night is Short, Walk on Girl
A well-known work with 短 in its Japanese title.
藤本タツキ短編集 22-26
Tatsuki Fujimoto Before Chainsaw Man: 22-26
A well-known work with 短 in its Japanese title.
DEATH NOTE短編集
Death Note Short Stories
A well-known work with 短 in its Japanese title.
WANTED！ 尾田栄一郎短編集
Wanted! Eiichiro Oda Before One Piece
A well-known work with 短 in its Japanese title.
伊藤潤二短編集 BEST OF BEST
Venus in the Blind Spot
A well-known work with 短 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
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?
短 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means short, brevity, fault, defect, weak point. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:short · brevity · fault · defect · weak point