What is the Kanji for 'Bow' and 'Salute'? | 礼

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Bow' and 'Salute', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Bow' and 'Salute' is 礼.

kanji

礼

Meaning

Bow, Salute

Reading

onyomiれい

rei

Parts

礻Cult (示)乙Second, Latter

Example Word

礼: thanks. The Japanese noun '礼 (れい)' primarily means 'thanks' or 'gratitude'. It is often used in formal contexts to express appreciation or acknowledgment. This word can also refer to a bow or gesture of respect, which is a common way to show gratitude in Japanese culture. For example: He expressed his thanks「彼は礼を言った」(かれはれいをいった). She bowed in gratitude「彼女は礼をした」(かのじょはれいをした). The word is deeply tied to cultural practices of politeness and respect, making it essential in formal interactions.

Radical

示

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

605

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 礼

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

radical

礻

Meaning

Cult

Radical Form Of

示

kanji

乙

Meaning

Second, Latter

Words Using 礼

This kanji is used in 5 words:

word

失礼

Meaning

Excuse, Rude

word

お礼

Meaning

Thanks

word

礼

Meaning

Thanks

word

儀礼

Meaning

Etiquette

word

礼儀

Meaning

Manners

Kanji Related to 礼 Through the Part 礻

These 11 kanji contain the part 礻 as well.

kanji

社

Meaning

Company

kanji

神

Meaning

God

kanji

禅

Meaning

Zen

kanji

福

Meaning

Blessing

kanji

祉

Meaning

Blessedness, Welfare

kanji

視

Meaning

See, Look

kanji

祈

Meaning

Pray

kanji

祖

Meaning

Ancestor

kanji

祝

Meaning

Celebrate

kanji

禍

Meaning

Calamity

kanji

祥

Meaning

Auspicious

Learn the Kanji 礼

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 礼 mean?

礼 means 'Bow' and 'Salute'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N3 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.