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裂
On'yomi
レツ
RETSU
Kun'yomi
さ.く・さ.ける・-ぎ.れ
saku / sakeru / gire
split · rend · tear
Details
Stroke Order
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Strokes12
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'clothing' (衤) with 'divide' (列), representing tearing cloth apart.
Symbolism
Symbolizes splitting, destruction, and rupture. Represents violent change where something unified is torn apart.
Component Breakdown
裂=
列衣
列 + clothes
Words & Expressions
Words written with 裂
Four-Character Compounds
四分五裂
しぶんごれつ
torn asunder; disrupted and disorganized
支離滅裂
しりめつれつ
incoherent; inconsistent; illogical
Anime & Manga
口が裂けても君には
Even If You Slit My Mouth
A well-known work with 裂 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 裂 mean in Japanese?
裂 means split, rend, tear.
How do you read 裂?
On'yomi: レツ (RETSU). Kun'yomi: さ.く、さ.ける、-ぎ.れ (saku, sakeru, gire).
How many strokes does 裂 have?
裂 has 12 strokes. Its radical is 衣 (clothes).
Is 裂 a good kanji for a tattoo?
裂 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means split, rend, tear. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.