Kanji meanings › Strength
Kanji for Strength
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “strength”: 力、剛. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
strength
Physical and inner power; the character began as a drawing of a strong arm at work.
Rikishi (力士), literally "men of strength," are professional sumo wrestlers who uphold centuries of sacred Shinto traditions.
2 strokes On reading リョク、リキ、リイ (ryoku, riki, rii) Kun reading ちから (chikara) JLPT N3
Dictionary meanings: power, strength, strong, strain, bear up
Readings used for names on Nazuke: tsutomu, riki
In Japan it appears in about 79 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
steel will
Firm and strong, like something that cannot be bent.
10 strokes On reading ゴウ (gou) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: sturdy, strength
Readings used for names on Nazuke: kata, kou, go, gou, taka, take, takeshi, tsuyo, tsuyoshi, yoshi
In Japan it appears in about 240 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in boys’ names.
Names written with 剛: Gaute 剛定 · Goldie 剛瑠路 · Gordon 剛道 · Gomes 剛芽澄 · Gopal 剛羽瑠 · Gorka 剛瑠佳 · Golden 剛琉天
More about 剛 →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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