Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
Stand + simplified dragon
Cultural Context
Etymology
A pictograph stylizing a dragon's head and serpentine body. Worshipped since ancient times as a divine beast that summons rain clouds. Simplified form of 龍.
Symbolism
Symbolizes power, divinity, and auspiciousness. In the East, represents emperors and is a divine beast bringing success and prosperity.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Dragon dancing
Anime & Manga
竜とそばかすの姫
りゅうとそばかすのひめ
Belle(2021)
Author: Mamoru Hosoda
'Dragon' symbolizes the mysterious character in the virtual world. A story inspired by Beauty and the Beast.
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ドラゴンクエスト
Dragon Quest(1986)
Developer: Square Enix
Japan's iconic RPG series. 'Dragon' is central to the title and world.
View on Amazon →Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
竜頭蛇尾
りゅうとうだび
strong beginning and weak ending; anticlimax; strong beginning and weak ending
竜攘虎搏
りゅうじょうこはく
fierce fighting; fierce fighting
画竜点睛
がりょうてんせい
finishing touches; last vital touch; finishing touches
臥竜鳳雛
がりょうほうすう
gifted young person who shows much promise; unrecognized genius; great person whose talent is hidden under a bushel; gifted young person who shows much promise
伏竜鳳雛
ふくりょうほうすう
gifted young person who shows much promise; unrecognized genius; great person whose talent is hidden under a bushel; gifted young person who shows much promise
飛竜乗雲
ひりゅうじょううん
hero that seizes the moment and rises; a dragon soaring through the clouds; hero that seizes the moment and rises
Poetry
ちはやぶる 神代もきかず 竜田川 からくれなゐに 水くくるとは
Poem #17 from Hyakunin Isshu
あらし吹く み室の山の もみぢ葉は 竜田の川の 錦なりけり
Poem #69 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 竜 mean in Japanese?
竜 means dragon, imperial.
How do you read 竜?
On'yomi: リュウ、リョウ、ロウ (RYUU, RYOU, ROU). Kun'yomi: たつ、いせ (tatsu, ise).
How many strokes does 竜 have?
竜 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 立 (stand).
Is 竜 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 竜 (dragon, imperial) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for imperial