Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of metal and step. Forging metal step by step.
Symbolism
Training, forge, blacksmith. Represents forging.
Spiritual Meaning
Forging mind and body like metal. "Training" is central to Japanese concepts of practice—strengthening the spirit through hardship.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Quietness of a rainy day
Component Breakdown
metal + 段
Words & Expressions
Words written with 鍛
Proverbs & Idioms
鉄は熱いうちに打て
てつはあついうちにうて
Strike while the iron is hot
Act at the right moment when conditions are favorable
Anime & Manga
鬼滅の刃 刀鍛冶の里編
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc
A well-known work with 鍛 in its Japanese title.
新米オッサン冒険者、最強パーティに死ぬほど鍛えられて無敵になる。
The Ossan Newbie Adventurer, Trained to Death by the Most Powerful Party, Became Invincible
A well-known work with 鍛 in its Japanese title.
不遇職【鑑定士】が実は最強だった～奈落で鍛えた最強の【神眼】で無双する～
Even Given the Worthless “Appraiser” Class, I’m Actually the Strongest
A well-known work with 鍛 in its Japanese title.
聖剣の刀鍛冶（ブラックスミス）
The Sacred Blacksmith
A well-known work with 鍛 in its Japanese title.
鍛冶屋ではじめる異世界スローライフ
My Quiet Blacksmith Life in Another World
A well-known work with 鍛 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“discipline”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鍛 mean in Japanese?
鍛 means forge, discipline, train.
How do you read 鍛?
On'yomi: タン (TAN). Kun'yomi: きた.える (kitaeru).
How many strokes does 鍛 have?
鍛 has 17 strokes. Its radical is 金 (gold).
Is 鍛 a good kanji for a tattoo?
鍛 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means forge, discipline, train. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:discipline · train