香
incense · smell · perfume
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
grain + sun
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of grain and sun. Fragrance of grain.
Symbolism
Fragrance, aroma, perfume. Represents good scent.
Spiritual Meaning
Used in Buddhist and Shinto offerings. Incense smoke carries prayers to heaven and has the spiritual function of purifying space.
Words & Expressions
Proverbs & Idioms
香りは千里を走る
かおりはせんりをはしる
Fragrance travels a thousand miles
Good reputation spreads far and wide
Poetry
春すぎて 夏来にけらし 白妙の 衣ほすてふ 天の香具山
Poem #2 from Hyakunin Isshu
人はいさ 心も知らず ふるさとは 花ぞ昔の 香に匂ひける
Poem #35 from Hyakunin Isshu
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 香 mean in Japanese?
香 means incense, smell, perfume.
How do you read 香?
On'yomi: コウ、キョウ (KOU, KYOU). Kun'yomi: か、かお.り、かお.る (ka, kaori, kaoru).
How many strokes does 香 have?
香 has 9 strokes. Its radical is 香 (fragrant).
Is 香 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 香 (incense, smell, perfume) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.
Explore by meaning:kanji for smell · kanji for perfume