鶴
crane · stork
Details
Stroke Order
Component Breakdown
隺 + bird
Cultural Context
Etymology
Composed of phonetic and bird. Crane bird.
Symbolism
Crane, long life, longevity. Represents crane.
Seasonal
Known as a winter migratory bird; "cranes arrive" is a winter seasonal word. Also a longevity symbol, displayed as New Year's good luck ornament.
Words & Expressions
Four-Character Compounds
閑雲野鶴
かんうんやかく
life in natural setting, free from worldly cares; life in natural setting, free from worldly cares
風声鶴唳
ふうせいかくれい
getting frightened even by a slight noise; hearing the enemy in every leaf that rustles; being afraid of one's own shadow; getting frightened even by a slight noise
鶴の一声
つるのひとこえ
One word from the crane; A powerful person's final word
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 鶴 mean in Japanese?
鶴 means crane, stork.
How do you read 鶴?
On'yomi: カク (KAKU). Kun'yomi: つる (tsuru).
How many strokes does 鶴 have?
鶴 has 21 strokes. Its radical is 鳥 (bird).
Is 鶴 a good kanji for a tattoo?
Yes. 鶴 (crane, stork) has a clear positive meaning and no embarrassing alternate readings, making it a solid tattoo choice.