What is the Kanji for 'Drum'? | 鼓

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Drum' is 鼓.

kanji

鼓

Meaning

Drum

Reading

kunyomiつづみ

tsuzumi

onyomiこ

Parts

壴支Branch, Support

Example Word

太鼓: drum. The Japanese noun '太鼓 (たいこ)' refers to a traditional Japanese drum. It is a percussion instrument that is often used in various traditional Japanese music and performances, such as festivals, theater, and religious ceremonies. The drum is typically made of wood and animal skin, and it is played with sticks called 'bachi'. Example sentences: The sound of the drum is loud「太鼓の音は大きい」(たいこのおとはおおきい). They played the drum at the festival「彼らは祭りで太鼓を叩いた」(かれらはまつりでたいこをたたいた).

Radical

鼓

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1351

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 鼓

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

component

壴

kanji

支

Meaning

Branch, Support

Words Using 鼓

This kanji is used in 1 word:

word

太鼓

Meaning

Drum

Kanji Related to 鼓 Through the Part 支

These 5 kanji contain the part 支 as well.

kanji

技

Meaning

Skill

kanji

枝

Meaning

Branch

kanji

肢

Meaning

Limb, Arms & legs

kanji

岐

Meaning

Branch, Fork

kanji

伎

Meaning

Deed

Learn the Kanji 鼓

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 鼓 mean?

鼓 means 'Drum'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

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