隷
slave · servant · prisoner · criminal · follower
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Combines 'hill' (阝) with 'capture' (柰), representing the status of being captured and serving—servitude.
Symbolism
Symbolizes servitude, subordination, and a calligraphy style. Represents loss of freedom and clerical script in calligraphy.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Water flowing to low ground
Component Breakdown
士 + spirit + 隶
Words & Expressions
Words written with 隷
Anime & Manga
異世界魔王と召喚少女の奴隷魔術
How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord
A well-known work with 隷 in its Japanese title.
魔王の俺が奴隷エルフを嫁にしたんだが、どう愛でればいい？
An Archdemon's Dilemma: How to Love Your Elf Bride
A well-known work with 隷 in its Japanese title.
異世界支配のスキルテイカー~ゼロから始める奴隷ハーレム~
Isekai Shihai no Skill Taker: Zero kara Hajimeru Dorei Harem
A well-known work with 隷 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“slave”
“servant”
“criminal”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 隷 mean in Japanese?
隷 means slave, servant, prisoner, criminal, follower.
How do you read 隷?
On'yomi: レイ (REI). Kun'yomi: したが.う、しもべ (shitagau, shimobe).
How many strokes does 隷 have?
隷 has 16 strokes. Its radical is 隶 (slave).
Is 隷 a good kanji for a tattoo?
隷 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means slave, servant, prisoner, criminal, follower. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.