Japanese Kanji

kyoku

thorn · splinter · spine

Extended kanji · 12 strokes

Readings

  • ONキョクkyoku
  • KUNいばらibara
  • KUNとげtoge

Meaning

Thorn, splinter, spine, biting words, briers.

Stroke order for 棘

棘 is a Extended kanji — used in Japanese personal names and specialised writing. With 12 strokes, it appears in classical literature, place names, and formal documents.

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