Honor in KanjiMeanings & Tattoo Guide
義 = righteousness, 誉 = glory, 名 = reputation, 栄 = prosperity — very different kinds of honor. Compare all 4 with cultural context and tattoo advice.
At a Glance
| Kanji | Meaning | Reading | Strokes | Tattoo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 誉 | Honor, glory, reputation, praise | homare | 13 | excellent |
| 義 | Righteousness, justice, duty, honor | gi | 13 | excellent |
| 名 | Name, reputation, fame, distinction | na | 6 | good |
| 栄 | Glory, prosperity, flourishing, honor | sakae | 9 | good |
Not sure which one fits your meaning? “Honor” can translate differently depending on context.
Check your kanji for free →誉 — Honor, glory, reputation, praise
誉 is the most direct Japanese kanji for honor in the sense of glory, praise, and reputation earned through noble deeds. It combines 興 (flourish) with 言 (words), suggesting honor as something spoken of and celebrated. In samurai culture, 名誉 (meiyo — honor) was inseparable from one's identity — honor lost was life lost. The character is used in formal awards, citations, and descriptions of esteemed people.
Used in formal, literary, and ceremonial contexts. Found in 名誉 (meiyo — honor, prestige), 栄誉 (eiyo — honor, glory), and 誉れ (homare — honor, credit, glory). Often appears in titles like 名誉教授 (meiyo kyouju — professor emeritus).
The most direct single-kanji translation of "honor" in the English sense of reputation and glory. The 13 strokes give it strong visual presence in calligraphy. Less common as a tattoo than 義, making it more distinctive. Ideal for those who define honor as earned reputation and respect.
義 — Righteousness, justice, duty, honor
義 is one of the seven virtues of Bushido (武士道), the samurai code of honor. It represents honor as righteousness — doing what is morally right, even at great personal cost. The character combines 羊 (sheep/lamb) with 我 (self), historically associated with sacrificial offerings and selfless duty. For samurai, 義 was considered the foundation of all other virtues — without righteousness, courage becomes recklessness and loyalty becomes blind obedience.
Common in formal and literary contexts. Found in 正義 (seigi — justice), 義務 (gimu — duty, obligation), 義理 (giri — sense of duty), 信義 (shingi — fidelity), and 義勇 (giyuu — heroism). Widely used in martial arts, business ethics, and historical/philosophical discussions.
One of the most meaningful kanji for honor in the Bushido sense. Carries deep cultural weight as a core samurai virtue. The 13 strokes create a powerful, complex visual. Particularly meaningful for those who value honor as righteousness and duty rather than reputation. A favored tattoo among martial artists and Bushido enthusiasts.
名 — Name, reputation, fame, distinction
名 literally means "name," but in Japanese (and Chinese) culture it extends to mean reputation, fame, and honor by association — your name is your honor. The character combines 夕 (evening) with 口 (mouth), representing calling out someone's name in the dark. In samurai culture, dying with one's name intact (without dishonor) was more important than survival. 名 is the first character of 名誉 (meiyo — honor).
Extremely common. Found in 名前 (namae — name), 有名 (yuumei — famous), 名誉 (meiyo — honor), 名人 (meijin — master/expert), and 名作 (meisaku — masterpiece). Used in everyday speech and formal contexts alike.
A minimalist, elegant choice at only 6 strokes. 名 alone reads more as "name" than "honor," so it's often combined with other kanji or interpreted contextually. Works well as a subtle tattoo for those who believe reputation and honor are inseparable. Simple enough for small tattoos.
栄 — Glory, prosperity, flourishing, honor
栄 represents honor in the sense of glory and flourishing — the outward manifestation of achievement and prosperity. The character depicts a flame or light atop a tree, suggesting something bright and flourishing. In historical contexts, 栄 was used to describe the glory of dynasties, the flourishing of arts, or the honor bestowed upon great achievements. It's the second half of 栄誉 (eiyo — glory and honor).
Common in formal and positive contexts. Found in 栄光 (eikou — glory), 栄誉 (eiyo — honor), 繁栄 (han'ei — prosperity), 栄える (sakaeru — to flourish), and 光栄 (kouei — honor, privilege). Often used in congratulatory speeches and award ceremonies.
A bright, positive kanji representing honor as glory and flourishing. The 9 strokes are well-balanced for tattoos, and the top element resembling a flame gives it visual interest. Best for those who see honor as triumph and achievement rather than solemn duty.
Font Style Preview
See how each kanji looks in different Japanese font styles.
| Font | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serif | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
| Sans | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
| Yuji Mai | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
| Yuji Syuku | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
| Kouzan Syodou | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
| Tamanegi Geki | 誉 | 義 | 名 | 栄 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
尊 means "respect" or "revere," not honor. It's commonly confused because respect and honor overlap in English. 尊 is about showing deference to someone else, while honor (誉/名誉) is something you possess or earn. Use 尊 only if you specifically mean "respect."
恥 means shame or dishonor — the exact opposite of honor. It's sometimes mistakenly chosen because of its visual similarity to other kanji, or because it appears in samurai literature about preserving honor (avoiding 恥). Getting 恥 tattooed would be a serious mistake.
Context-specific errors are harder to catch. The kanji for “personal integrity” vs “public reputation” vs “duty-bound righteousness” each require different characters. A wrong choice isn't always obvious until a native speaker sees it.
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