Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
hemp + stone
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of hemp and stone. Polishing hemp with stone.
Symbolism
Polish, grind, diligence. Represents polishing.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
切磋琢磨
せっさたくま
diligent application (to work or study); cultivating one's character by studying hard; mutual encouragement (to improve); diligent application (to work or study)
百戦錬磨
ひゃくせんれんま
veteran; battle-worn; schooled by adversity in many battles; veteran
千古不磨
せんこふま
permanence; immortality; eternity; permanence
磨穿鉄硯
ませんてっけん
showing unyielding diligence in one's studies; wearing a hole through one's metal inkstone from constant studying; showing unyielding diligence in one's studies
Poetry
淡路島 かよふ千鳥の 鳴く声に 幾夜ねざめぬ 須磨の関守
Poem #78 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 磨 mean in Japanese?
磨 means grind, polish, scour, improve, brush (teeth).
How do you read 磨?
On'yomi: マ (MA). Kun'yomi: みが.く、す.る (migaku, suru).
How many strokes does 磨 have?
磨 has 16 strokes. Its radical is 石 (stone).
Is 磨 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 磨 (grind, polish, scour, improve, brush (teeth)) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for grind · kanji for polish · kanji for scour