Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of grain and phonetic. Rice ear.
Symbolism
Rice cultivation, rice ear, Japanese agriculture. Represents source of Japanese staple.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Ice crystals
Seasonal
Symbolizes harvest season September to October. Autumn tradition linked to rice harvesting and Niiname Festival.
Component Breakdown
grain + claw + 旧
Words & Expressions
Words written with 稲
Proverbs & Idioms
実るほど頭を垂れる稲穂かな
みのるほどこうべをたれるいなほかな
The more the rice ripens, the more it bows
The greater the person, the more humble they become
Poetry
夕されば 門田の稲葉 おとづれて 葦のまろやに 秋風ぞ吹く
As evening comes it rustles the rice leaves by the gate — the autumn wind, blowing on my reed-thatched hut.
Anime & Manga
甘々と稲妻
Sweetness & Lightning
A well-known work with 稲 in its Japanese title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 稲 mean in Japanese?
稲 means rice plant.
How do you read 稲?
On'yomi: トウ、テ (TOU, TE). Kun'yomi: いね、いな- (ine, ina).
How many strokes does 稲 have?
稲 has 14 strokes. Its radical is 禾 (grain).
Is 稲 a good kanji for a tattoo?
稲 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means rice plant. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.