魚
fish
Details
Stroke Order
Cultural Context
Etymology
Pictograph depicting fish head, body, and tail.
Symbolism
Seafood, freshness, prosperity. Symbolizes food culture of island nation Japan.
Related Culture & Scenes
- — Fish swimming
Seasonal
Seasonal fish are central to Japanese food culture. Sweetfish for summer, bonito for early summer and fall, yellowtail for winter—fish symbolize seasonal flavors.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
沈魚落雁
ちんぎょらくがん
charms of a uniquely beautiful woman; (so beautiful that) fish stay on the bottom of water and flying wild geese fall from the sky in shame; charms of a uniquely beautiful woman
烏焉魯魚
うえんろぎょ
miswriting a word; using the wrong kanji to write a word; miswriting a word
魚目燕石
ぎょもくえんせき
imitation that looks identical to the original; fake causing the original to lose value; imitation that looks identical to the original
魯魚亥豕
ろぎょがいし
miswriting a word; using the wrong kanji to write a word; miswriting a word
魯魚章草
ろぎょしょうそう
miswriting a word; using the wrong kanji to write a word; miswriting a word
鳶飛魚躍
えんぴぎょやく
all of creation following their original natures, living and enjoying themselves freely; the kites fly and the fish leap; Heaven's will that all of creation shall follow their original natures and live freely; all of creation following their original natures, living and enjoying themselves freely
Proverbs & Idioms
水を得た魚のよう
みずをえたうおのよう
Like a fish in water
Thriving in the right environment
魚心あれば水心
うおごころあればみずごころ
If the fish has a heart, the water has a heart too
Mutual consideration leads to harmony