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笙
On'yomi
ショウ・ソウ
SHOU / SOU
Kun'yomi
ふえ
fue
a reed instrument
Details
Strokes11
Radical竹bamboo(6)
Stroke Order
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Strokes11
Component Breakdown
笙=
竹生
bamboo + life
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'bamboo' (竹) with 'birth' (生), representing the sho, a bamboo wind instrument in gagaku.
Symbolism
Symbolizes gagaku, traditional music, and elegance. Represents the sacred instrument of Japanese court music.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 笙 mean in Japanese?
笙 means a reed instrument.
How do you read 笙?
On'yomi: ショウ、ソウ (SHOU, SOU). Kun'yomi: ふえ (fue).
How many strokes does 笙 have?
笙 has 11 strokes. Its radical is 竹 (bamboo).
Is 笙 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 笙 (a reed instrument) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.