Kanji meanings › Dragon
Kanji for Dragon
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “dragon”: 辰、竜、龍. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
dragon
The dragon of the Chinese zodiac.
7 strokes On reading シン、ジン (shin, jin) Kun reading たつ (tatsu) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: sign of the dragon, 7-9AM, fifth sign of Chinese zodiac, shin dragon radical (no. 161)
Readings used for names on Nazuke: shin, tatsu, toki
In Japan it appears in about 165 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
dragon
The dragon, a symbol of power and good fortune in East Asia. 竜 is the simplified modern form of 龍.
10 strokes On reading リュウ、リョウ、ロウ (ryuu, ryou, rou) Kun reading たつ、いせ (tatsu, ise) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: dragon, imperial
Readings used for names on Nazuke: tatsu, ryuu, ryou
In Japan it appears in about 283 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, in both boys’ and girls’ names.
dragon
The dragon in its traditional, more intricate form; a guardian of water and sky and a symbol of strength.
Japanese dragons are usually seen as protectors rather than monsters.
16 strokes On reading リュウ、リョウ、ロウ (ryuu, ryou, rou) Kun reading たつ (tatsu)
Dictionary meanings: dragon, imperial
Readings used for names on Nazuke: tatsu, ryuu, ryou
In Japan it appears in about 320 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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