Details
Description
Octopus - tako, caught in clay pots on the seabed since before written history in Japan.
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
The insect radical with a phonetic element. In Chinese it named a long-legged creature; in Japan it came to mean the octopus.
Symbolism
Octopus are taken in clay pots sunk on the seabed, a method old enough that Yayoi-period pots survive. Basho wrote of them: "octopus traps — and inside, brief dreams under a summer moon." The tako of takoyaki is this character.
Poetry
蛸壺やはかなき夢を夏の月
Octopus traps — and inside, brief dreams under a summer moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 蛸 mean in Japanese?
蛸 means octopus. Octopus - tako, caught in clay pots on the seabed since before written history in Japan.
How do you read 蛸?
On'yomi: ソウ、ショウ (SOU, SHOU). Kun'yomi: たこ (tako).
How many strokes does 蛸 have?
蛸 has 13 strokes. Its radical is 虫 (insect).
Is 蛸 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Be careful. 蛸 can carry meanings or readings you may not intend. Check the cultural context on this page before committing to a tattoo.
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