Kanji meanings › Spirit
Kanji for Spirit
Japanese has more than one kanji connected to “spirit”: 気、霊、闘、魂. Each has its own feeling. Compare their meanings, readings and the names they appear in.
spirit
Spirit and energy (ki), the force behind everything alive.
6 strokes On reading キ、ケ (ki, ke) Kun reading き (ki) JLPT N4
Dictionary meanings: spirit, mind, air, atmosphere, mood
Readings used for names on Nazuke: ki, ke
In Japan it appears in about 100 given names in the JMnedict name dictionary, mostly in girls’ names.
spirit
A spirit or soul from the other side.
15 strokes On reading レイ、リョウ (rei, ryou) Kun reading たま (tama) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: spirits, soul
Readings used for names on Nazuke: rei
fighting spirit
To fight and never give in.
18 strokes On reading トウ (tou) Kun reading たたかう、あらそう (tatakau, arasou) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: fight, war
Readings used for names on Nazuke: tou
More about 闘 →soul
The soul and spirit; a fire that does not go out.
14 strokes On reading コン (kon) Kun reading たましい、たま (tamashii, tama) JLPT N1
Dictionary meanings: soul, spirit
Readings used for names on Nazuke: kon
Names written with 魂: Concha 魂茶 · Conrad 魂楽道 · Lincoln 凛玖魂 · Conchita 魂智楽
More about 魂 →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.
Put it in your name
Nazuke writes your first name in kanji, choosing characters for both sound and meaning.