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What is the Kanji for 'Spirit' and 'Soul'? | 魂

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Spirit' and 'Soul' is 魂.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Spirit, Soul

    Reading

    kunyomiたましい

    tamashii

    onyomiこん

    kon

    Parts

    Demon, Ogre Say

    Example Word

    魂: soul. The Japanese noun '魂 (たましい)' refers to the 'soul' or 'spirit' of a living being. It is often used in a spiritual or philosophical context to describe the essence of a person or creature that transcends physical existence. This word can also imply the core of one's emotions, will, or vitality. For example: Her soul is pure「彼女の魂は純粋だ」(かのじょのたましいはじゅんすいだ). The warrior's spirit never dies「戦士の魂は決して死なない」(せんしのたましいはけっしてしなない). The word can also be used metaphorically to describe the essence or spirit of something non-living, such as art or culture.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    14

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    895

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

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

    kanji

    Meaning

    Demon, Ogre

    radical

    Meaning

    Say

Words Using

This kanji is used in 1 word:

    word

    Meaning

    Soul

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 鬼 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Witch, Demon

    kanji

    Meaning

    Charm, Alluring

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lump

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ugly

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 4 kanji contain the part 云 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cloud

    kanji

    Meaning

    Revolve

    kanji

    Meaning

    Transmit

    kanji

    Meaning

    Art, Performance

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 魂 mean?

魂 means 'Spirit' and 'Soul'.

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.