鬱
gloom · depression · melancholy · luxuriant
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
A complex character from 'forest,' 'jar,' 'libation wine,' and 'streaks.' Represents dense forests or depressed moods.
Symbolism
Symbolizes density, depression, and complexity. Represents thickly grown forests and heavy, unclearable moods.
Component Breakdown
tree + 缶 + cover + 鬯 + 彡
Words & Expressions
Words written with 鬱
Anime & Manga
涼宮ハルヒの憂鬱
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
A well-known work with 鬱 in its Japanese title.
狼と香辛料II 狼と琥珀色の憂鬱
Spice and Wolf II: Wolf and the Amber Melancholy
A well-known work with 鬱 in its Japanese title.
デキる猫は今日も憂鬱
The Masterful Cat is Depressed Again Today
A well-known work with 鬱 in its Japanese title.
Other kanji with the same meaning
“gloom”
“melancholy”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鬱 mean in Japanese?
鬱 means gloom, depression, melancholy, luxuriant.
How do you read 鬱?
On'yomi: ウツ (UTSU). Kun'yomi: うっ.する、ふさ.ぐ、しげ.る (ussuru, fusagu, shigeru).
How many strokes does 鬱 have?
鬱 has 29 strokes. Its radical is 鬯 (sacrificial wine).
Is 鬱 a good kanji for a tattoo?
鬱 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means gloom, depression, melancholy, luxuriant. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:gloom · melancholy · luxuriant