Kanji meanings › River
Kanji for River
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “river”: 河、川. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
river
A great river that flows steadily toward the sea.
8 strokes On reading カ (ka) Kun reading かわ (kawa) JLPT N2
Dictionary meanings: river
Readings used for names on Nazuke: ka, kawa, ga
In Japan it appears in about 76 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in girls’ names.
river
A river; flowing steadily onward.
Kawayuka are temporary wooden platforms erected over Kyoto's Kamogawa River for refreshing open-air summer dining.
3 strokes On reading セン (sen) Kun reading かわ (kawa) JLPT N4
Dictionary meanings: stream, river, river or three-stroke river radical (no. 47)
Readings used for names on Nazuke: kawa, sen
In Japan it appears in about 127 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in girls’ names.
Thinking of a tattoo? A single kanji like these is meaningful on its own, but ask a native speaker to check the exact form and stroke order before you commit.
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