What is the Kanji for 'Snake'? | 蛇

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Snake' is 蛇.

kanji

蛇

Meaning

Snake

Reading

kunyomiへび

hebi

onyomiだ

じゃ

Parts

虫Insect 它

Example Word

蛇: snake. The Japanese noun '蛇 (へび)' means 'snake'. This word refers to the reptile characterized by its long, legless body. It is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. In Japanese culture, snakes can symbolize both positive traits like wisdom and protection, as well as negative traits like danger or deceit. Example sentences: I saw a snake in the garden「庭で蛇を見た」(にわでへびをみた). The snake is long「その蛇は長い」(そのへびはながい). Snakes are often featured in Japanese folklore and mythology, such as the legendary creature 'Yamata no Orochi' (八岐大蛇).

Radical

虫

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1199

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 蛇

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

kanji

虫

Meaning

Insect

component

它

Words Using 蛇

This kanji is used in 1 word:

word

蛇

Meaning

Snake

Kanji Related to 蛇 Through the Part 虫

These 14 kanji contain the part 虫 as well.

kanji

強

Meaning

Strong

kanji

風

Meaning

Wind, Style

kanji

独

Meaning

Alone

kanji

騒

Meaning

Clamor, Boisterous

kanji

融

Meaning

Fuse, Dissolve

kanji

触

Meaning

Touch, Contact

kanji

蚊

Meaning

Mosquito

kanji

蚕

Meaning

Silkworm

kanji

蛮

Meaning

Barbarian

kanji

蛍

Meaning

Firefly

kanji

繭

Meaning

Cocoon

kanji

蜜

Meaning

Honey

kanji

蜂

Meaning

Bee

kanji

虹

Meaning

Rainbow

Learn the Kanji 蛇

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 蛇 mean?

蛇 means 'Snake'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Senior 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.