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On'yomi
エン・-ネン
EN / NEN
Kun'yomi
ふち・ふち.どる・ゆかり・よすが・へり・えにし
fuchi / fuchidoru / yukari / yosuga / heri / enishi

affinity · relation · connection · edge · border · verge · brink

Details

Strokes15
Frequency#1291
Radicalsilk(6)
Old Form

Stroke Order

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Strokes15

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of thread and phonetic. Relationship bound by thread.

Symbolism

Marriage tie, fate, connection. Represents mysterious bonds between people.

Spiritual Meaning

Represents fateful connections between people, important concept in Japanese spiritual culture based on Buddhist karma.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Shrine for marriage ties

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

合縁奇縁

あいえんきえん

a couple strangely but happily united; uncanny relationship formed by a quirk of fate; a couple strangely but happily united

親類縁者

しんるいえんじゃ

one's relatives by blood and marriage (in blood and law); one's kith and kin; one's relatives by blood and marriage (in blood and law)

因果因縁

いんがいんねん

cause and effect; karma; retribution; cause and effect

Proverbs & Idioms

縁の下の力持ち

えんのしたのちからもち

The strongman under the porch

An unsung hero

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 縁 mean in Japanese?

縁 means affinity, relation, connection, edge, border, verge, brink.

How do you read 縁?

On'yomi: エン、-ネン (EN, NEN). Kun'yomi: ふち、ふち.どる、ゆかり、よすが、へり、えにし (fuchi, fuchidoru, yukari, yosuga, heri, enishi).

How many strokes does 縁 have?

縁 has 15 strokes. Its radical is 糸 (silk).

Is 縁 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 縁 (affinity, relation, connection, edge, border, verge, brink) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for connection · kanji for edge · kanji for border · kanji for verge