犬 means “dog”

いぬ · inu

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)

いぬ

On'yomi (Chinese reading)

ケン

JLPT N4 · Taught in grade 1 · 4 strokes

The story

The faithful Hachikō waited at Shibuya Station every day for nine years after his owner passed away. In Japan, 犬 symbolizes unwavering loyalty, a bond beyond words.

Used in 子犬 (koinu, puppy) and 犬小屋 (inugoya, doghouse)

More from Animals & Creatures

• 猫 cat
• 牛 cow
• 馬 horse
• 虫 insect
• 羊 sheep
• 豚 pig
• 鹿 deer
• 熊 bear
• 蛇 snake
• 兎 rabbit
• 象 elephant
• 竜 dragon

Learn 犬 and more kanji free on Fuji Learning · All kanji

Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.