Japanese symbol for “barb”
顎
あご
Romaji: ago
jaw; chin
In Japanese, barb is 顎, read あご (ago).
Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.
Meanings
- n jaw; chin
- n barb (of a fishhook)
Written forms: 顎、頤、腭、腮. Readings: あご、アゴ.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “barb”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 掛かり | かかり kakari | barb (of a fish hook) |
| 返し | かえし kaeshi | barb (on a fishing hook) |
| 羽枝 | うし ushi | barb; ramus |
| 触鬚 | しょくしゅ shokushu | barbel; barb; palp |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 上顎 | うわあご uwaago | upper jaw; palate |
| 顎骨 | がっこつ gakkotsu | jawbone; mandible |
| 下顎 | したあご shitaago | lower jaw; mandible |
| 二重顎 | にじゅうあご nijuuago | double chin |
| 顎紐 | あごひも agohimo | chin strap |
| 顎髭 | あごひげ agohige | beard (esp. on the chin); goatee |
See also: Chinese symbol for “barb”.
Data: JMdict (CC BY-SA 4.0); KANJIDIC2 (CC BY-SA 4.0); KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0); wordfreq (CC BY-SA 4.0 (data)). Retrieved 2026-10-22.