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strong; measure (of length or height); only
Kanji 1415

Thank you for visiting this Character Home Page. Below you'll find a synopsis of the essay. If you wish to read the full text, the PDF of the essay is available for purchase to the right.

Synopsis

The simple-looking 丈 is a "coatrack" on which scads of meanings hang. Our kanji lies at the heart of 大丈夫 (okay), in terms conveying strength, and in several adverbs. Moreover, 丈 plays a key role in measurements of height (e.g., of people) and length (especially of clothes). Thanks to the last meaning, 丈 is in the name of an island famous for silks, drumming, and unreal beauty. 

Revision history:

Feb. 14, 2022: 

  • p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and the Sears link. 
  • p. 19: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Mar. 4, 2016: Originally published.

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Kanji PDF
Cover of essay 1415 on 丈, titled "Strong and Long"
Mini Profile
JOYO ON-YOMI
ジョウ
JOYO KUN-YOMI
たけ
STROKES3
RADICAL一 (1: one)
JLPTN1
HALPERN2136/2885
HENSHALL1415/1515
SPAHN0a3.26