関
connection · barrier · gateway · involve · concerning
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
gate + 关
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of gate and phonetic. Checkpoint closing gate.
Symbolism
Relation, barrier, connection. Represents ties and boundaries.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
亭主関白
ていしゅかんぱく
domineering husband; hectoring husband; husband who rules the roost; domineering husband
相関関係
そうかんかんけい
correlation; interrelation; intertwining; correlation
Proverbs & Idioms
関門を突破する
かんもんをとっぱする
To break through the barrier
To overcome a difficult challenge
Poetry
これやこの 行くも帰るも 別れては 知るも知らぬも あふ坂の関
Poem #10 from Hyakunin Isshu
夜をこめて 鳥のそらねは はかるとも よに逢坂の 関はゆるさじ
Poem #62 from Hyakunin Isshu
淡路島 かよふ千鳥の 鳴く声に 幾夜ねざめぬ 須磨の関守
Poem #78 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 関 mean in Japanese?
関 means connection, barrier, gateway, involve, concerning.
How do you read 関?
On'yomi: カン (KAN). Kun'yomi: せき、-ぜき、かか.わる、からくり、かんぬき (seki, zeki, kakawaru, karakuri, kannuki).
How many strokes does 関 have?
関 has 14 strokes. Its radical is 門 (gate).
Is 関 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 関 (connection, barrier, gateway, involve, concerning) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for connection · kanji for involve · kanji for concerning