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On'yomi
スイ
SUI
Kun'yomi
おとろ.える
otoroeru

decline · wane · weaken

Details

Strokes10
Frequency#1432
Radicalclothes(6)

Stroke Order

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Strokes10

Cultural Context

Etymology

Composed of clothing and mouth. Clothing declining.

Symbolism

Decline, weakness, senility. Represents declining.

Related Culture & Scenes

  • Acknowledging weakness

Words & Expressions

Four-Character Compounds

栄枯盛衰

えいこせいすい

ups and downs of life; vicissitudes of fortune; ups and downs of life

盛者必衰

じょうしゃひっすい

even the prosperous inevitably decay; sic transit gloria mundi; all that's fair must fade; even the prosperous inevitably decay

盛衰興亡

せいすいこうぼう

rise and fall; ups and downs; waxing and waning; rise and fall

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 衰 mean in Japanese?

衰 means decline, wane, weaken.

How do you read 衰?

On'yomi: スイ (SUI). Kun'yomi: おとろ.える (otoroeru).

How many strokes does 衰 have?

衰 has 10 strokes. Its radical is 衣 (clothes).

Is 衰 a good kanji for a tattoo?

Yes. 衰 (decline, wane, weaken) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.

Explore by meaning:kanji for decline · kanji for wane