Kanji meanings › Carp
Kanji for Carp
The kanji for “carp” is 鯉, read ri and written in 18 strokes. Here is what it means, how it is read, and the names it is used in.
carp
The carp, which swims upstream. Legend says a carp that climbs a waterfall becomes a dragon.
On Children’s Day, families fly carp streamers (鯉のぼり).
18 strokes On reading リ (ri) Kun reading こい (koi) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: carp
Readings used for names on Nazuke: koi, ri
In Japan it appears in about 71 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and 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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