Back

On'yomi
コウ
KOU
Kun'yomi
かた.い
katai

stiff · hard

Details

Strokes12
Frequency#1101
Radicalstone(5)

Stroke Order

Loading...
Strokes12

Component Breakdown

=

stone + 更

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of stone and change. Even harder stone.

Symbolism

Hard, rigid, coin. Represents hardness.

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

強硬手段

きょうこうしゅだん

tough measure; firm step; strong measure; tough measure

硬軟自在

こうなんじざい

Hard or soft as needed; Adapting flexibly to circumstances

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 硬 mean in Japanese?

硬 means stiff, hard.

How do you read 硬?

On'yomi: コウ (KOU). Kun'yomi: かた.い (katai).

How many strokes does 硬 have?

硬 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 石 (stone).

Is 硬 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 硬 (stiff, hard) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for stiff · kanji for hard