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Otto in Japanese

KatakanaオットーOttoo
Kanji穂灯Otou

In Japanese, Otto is written in katakana as オットー (Ottoo), the way Japanese people write foreign names. To write it in kanji, each sound gets a character chosen for its meaning. Our top pick is 穂灯 (otou): “ear of rice”, “lamp”.

How Otto sounds in Japanese

オットー

Kanji for Otto

穂灯
otou
  • 穂
    o ear of rice
    A ripe ear of rice, a symbol of abundance.
    In autumn, bundles of golden rice ears (Inaho) are offered to deities in gratitude for abundant harvests.
  • 灯
    tou lamp
    A light in the dark.
央灯
otou
  • 央
    o center
    The center; the heart of things.
  • 灯
    tou lamp
    A light in the dark.
緒灯
otou
  • 緒
    o bond
    A cord or bond; beginnings and ties between people.
  • 灯
    tou lamp
    A light in the dark.

By style

Masculine
雄刀
heroic · sword
Feminine
桜桃
cherry blossom · peach

Questions about Otto in Japanese

How do you write Otto in Japanese?

Otto is written オットー in katakana. Katakana is the script Japanese people use for foreign names, so this is how Otto would appear on a Japanese ID card, a café cup or a name tag.

What are the best kanji for Otto?

Our top pick is 穂灯 (Otou). 穂 means “ear of rice” and 灯 means “lamp”. Other good options are 央灯 (Otou) and 緒灯 (Otou).

Is 穂灯 a real Japanese name?

Not as a traditional name. Japanese people write foreign names in katakana, so 穂灯 is a creative kanji spelling (called ateji), chosen for its sounds and meanings. Japanese readers will understand what each character means, and many will enjoy the idea behind it.

How many strokes is 穂灯?

穂灯 has 21 strokes in total (穂: 15, 灯: 6). It takes some practice to write neatly, so look up the stroke order before trying it with a brush.

Can I use 穂灯 as a tattoo?

Each character in 穂灯 has a positive meaning, so it is a reasonable choice. Keep in mind that Japanese people will read it as the meaning of the characters, not instantly as “Otto”. If you want your name to be recognized, katakana (オットー) is clearer. Either way, ask a native speaker to check the final design.

Planning a tattoo or a print? Read the kanji tattoo checklist, and check the kanji in the name tool. Not sure which script to use? See katakana or kanji.

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