Kanji Analysis: 朽 (Kyū)
The kanji 朽 carries a powerful and poignant meaning centered on decay and the passage of time, but it also holds a beautiful, positive connotation in certain contexts.
Primary Meaning: To Decay; To Rot; To Die Out; To Become Useless
Reading:
Onyomi (Sound-reading): キュウ (Kyū)
Kunyomi (Meaning-reading): く.ちる (ku.chiru)
1. Breakdown for Easy Learning
The kanji's structure is logical and evocative:
木 (Ki): The "tree" or "wood" radical on the left. This indicates the character is related to something made of wood or plant matter.
丂 (Kō): An ancient component depicting a bent person, implying something that is "stalled," "blocked," or "unable to move forward."
Memory Tip: Think of it as "wood (木) that is bent and stalled (丂), left to rot." This perfectly captures the core idea of natural decay over time.
2. Common Vocabulary (語彙 - Goi)
Here are the most essential words using "朽."
| Word | Reading | Meaning & Context |
|---|---|---|
| 朽ちる | くちる Kuchiru | To decay; to rot; to crumble. This is the basic verb form. It can be used literally (for wood) or metaphorically (for fame, a nation). |
| 腐朽 | ふきゅう Fukyū | Decay; Rot; Decomposition. A more formal/scientific term for rotting. 腐 (fu) also means "to rot," reinforcing the meaning. |
| 不朽 | ふきゅう Fukyū | Immortality; Imperishability; Enduring. This is the most important word for a positive meaning. 不 (fu) is a negative prefix. Literally "not decaying," it means something that lasts forever. |
| 老朽 | ろうきゅう Rōkyū | Aged and Dilapidated; Decrepit. 老 (rō) means "old." It describes something old and worn out. |
3. Example Sentences (例文 - Reibun)
Let's see how these words are used in context.
Using 朽ちる (Kuchiru) - To Decay:
Japanese: 森の中には朽ちた木がたくさんあった。
Romaji: Mori no naka ni wa kuchita ki ga takusan atta.
English: There were many decayed trees in the forest.
Using 不朽 (Fukyū) - Immortal/Imperishable:
Japanese: シェイクスピアの作品は不朽の名作だ。
Romaji: Sheikusupia no sakuhin wa fukyū no meisaku da.
English: Shakespeare's works are immortal masterpieces.
Using 老朽 (Rōkyū) - Dilapidated:
Japanese: その老朽した建物は近く取り壊される。
Romaji: Sono rōkyū shita tatemono wa chikaku torikowasareru.
English: That dilapidated building will be demolished soon.
4. Tattoo Meaning: A Deep Duality
Getting "朽" as a tattoo is a profound and poetic choice, but it carries a heavy duality. You must be very clear about which meaning you intend, as the interpretations are opposites.
A. Negative Connotation (The Literal Meaning)
A standalone "朽" tattoo will most directly be interpreted as "Decay," "Rot," or "To Wither Away."
It could symbolize:
Mortality and Transience: A memento mori, a reminder that all things, including oneself, will eventually decay and die.
A Past Trauma or Part of Oneself: Representing something you want to "let rot" and leave behind, like a painful memory or a former version of yourself.
Pessimism or Despair: A representation of feeling useless, worn out, or broken.
Warning: Without context, this is the default interpretation and can be perceived as grim, negative, or even disturbing.
B. Positive Connotation (The Implied Meaning)
The positive power of "朽" comes from the word 不朽 (Fukyū), meaning "imperishable" or "immortal." A tattoo of "朽" can therefore be an "incomplete symbol" that implies its opposite.
It could symbolize:
Enduring Legacy: The idea that even though the body decays (朽), one's name, work, or spirit will not decay (不朽). It's a fight against oblivion.
Beauty in Impermanence (Wabi-Sabi): An appreciation for the natural cycle of growth, decay, and death, seeing beauty in fading and aging.
Resilience: Like a fallen log that decays to nourish new life, it can represent overcoming hardship and transforming it into something new.
Summary for Your Studies & Tattoo Decision
Kanji: 朽
Core Meaning: To Decay, To Rot
Radical Logic: 木 (Tree) + 丂 (Stalled) = A decaying tree.
Key Positive Word: 不朽 (Fukyū) - Immortal, Imperishable
Key Verb: 朽ちる (Kuchiru) - to decay
Final Tattoo Advice:
Tread carefully. "朽" is a powerful but risky choice. If you are drawn to its meaning, consider these options to provide context:
Get the full word 不朽 (Fukyū) to unambiguously mean "enduring legacy."
Be prepared to explain the deeper, positive intent behind the single character "朽" for the rest of your life.
It is a character for those who are comfortable with deep, philosophical duality and the natural cycle of life and death.