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香
On'yomi
コウ・キョウ
KOU / KYOU
Kun'yomi
か・かお.り・かお.る
ka / kaori / kaoru
incense · smell · perfume
Details
Strokes9
Frequency#859
Radical香fragrant(9)
Stroke Order
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Strokes9
Component Breakdown
香=
禾日
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
和歌（百人一首） (Waka (Hyakunin Isshu))
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
持統天皇Empress Jitō
7th century和歌（百人一首） (Waka (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
紀貫之Ki no Tsurayuki
10th century