Details
Description
Fish - head, body and tail. The centre of an island nation's table, and a sign of abundance.
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
Words written with 魚
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
烏焉魯魚
うえんろぎょ
miswriting a word; using the wrong kanji to write 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
魯魚亥豕
ろぎょがいし
miswriting a word; using the wrong kanji to write 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
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
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
Poetry
行春や鳥啼魚の目は泪
Spring going — birds crying, and tears in the eyes of the fish.
Anime & Manga
ジョゼと虎と魚たち
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
A well-known work with 魚 in its Japanese title.
熱帯魚は雪に焦がれる
A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow
A well-known work with 魚 in its Japanese title.
Related Figures & Stories
魚屋北渓
Name contains 魚
Totoya Hokkei was a Japanese artist best known for his prints in the ukiyo-e style.
Wikipedia藤原魚名
Name contains 魚
Fujiwara no Uona was a Japanese aristocrat and statesman of the Nara period who was Minister of the Left and a member of the Fujiwara clan.
WikipediaOther kanji with the same meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 魚 mean in Japanese?
魚 means fish. Fish - head, body and tail. The centre of an island nation's table, and a sign of abundance.
How do you read 魚?
On'yomi: ギョ (GYO). Kun'yomi: うお、さかな、-ざかな (uo, sakana, zakana).
How many strokes does 魚 have?
魚 has 11 strokes. Its radical is 魚 (fish).
Is 魚 a good kanji for a tattoo?
魚 is one of the kanji most often chosen for tattoos. It means fish. Read the full meaning and cultural background on this page first — some popular choices are deliberately dark.
Explore by meaning:fish