What is the Kanji for 'Shadow'? | 影

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Shadow' is 影.

kanji

影

Meaning

Shadow

Reading

kunyomiかげ

kage

onyomiえい

Parts

景Scene 彡Fur

Example Word

影: shadow or silhouette. The Japanese noun '影 (かげ)' primarily means 'shadow', referring to the dark area or shape produced by an object blocking light. It can also mean 'silhouette', which is the dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background. This word is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. For example: the shadow of a tree「木の影」(きのかげ). Her silhouette was visible in the moonlight「月明かりに彼女の影が見えた」(つきあかりにかのじょのかげがみえた). In literature and poetry, '影' can also symbolize something fleeting or intangible, such as memories or emotions.

Radical

彡

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

386

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 影

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

kanji

景

Meaning

Scene

radical

彡

Meaning

Fur

Words Using 影

This kanji is used in 3 words:

word

影響

Meaning

Effect, Influence

word

影

Meaning

Shadow, Silhouette

word

撮影

Meaning

Filming

Kanji Related to 影 Through the Part 彡

These 9 kanji contain the part 彡 as well.

kanji

形

Meaning

Shape

kanji

顔

Meaning

Face

kanji

参

Meaning

Participate

kanji

彫

Meaning

Carve

kanji

杉

Meaning

Cedar, Cryptomeria

kanji

彰

Meaning

Patent, Proclaim merits

kanji

彩

Meaning

Coloring, Beautiful coloring

kanji

鬱

Meaning

Gloom

kanji

須

Meaning

Necessary

Learn the Kanji 影

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 影 mean?

影 means 'Shadow'.

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.