King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “characterize”

Romaji: tokuchouzukeru
to make characteristic; to characterize

In Japanese, characterize is , read (tokuchouzukeru).

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

  1. v1 to make characteristic; to characterize

Written forms: . Readings: .

Kanji and stroke order

special
on: トク
10 strokes · JLPT 3
indications, sign, omen
on: チョウ、チ
kun: しるし
14 strokes · JLPT 1
adhere, attach, refer to
on: フ
kun: つ.ける、-つ.ける、-づ.ける、つ.け
5 strokes · JLPT 2

Other Japanese words for “characterize”

WordReadingMeaning
とくしょくづける tokushokuzukeruto distinguish; to mark; to differentiate

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
とくに tokuniparticularly; especially; in particular
とくべつ tokubetsuspecial; particular; extraordinary
どくとく dokutokupeculiarity; uniqueness; characteristic
とくちょう tokuchoufeature; trait; characteristic
とくてい tokuteispecific; particular; designated
とくしゅ tokushuspecial; particular; peculiar
しょうちょう shouchousymbol (of something abstract); emblem; (symbolic) representation
ちょうしゅう choushuucollection (of fees, taxes, etc.); levy
ふきん fukinneighborhood; neighbourhood; vicinity

See also: Chinese symbol for “characterize”.

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.

Last posts

  1. Shinai Maintenance and Essential Tools for Bamboo Care
  2. Best Shinai for Kendo Beginners Choosing Your First Sword
  3. Choosing the Best Bokken for Kendo Kata
  4. Using a Tsuba on Your Bokken for Partner Practice
  5. How Much Should You Spend on a Wooden Practice Sword
  6. How Long Should a Bokken Be for Your Height
  7. Red Oak vs White Oak for Bokken Which Wood Wins
  8. Best Bokken for Beginners: Choosing Your First Training Sword
  9. Best Escrima Sticks for Students Choosing Your First Pair
  10. Essential Accessories for Your First Pair of Escrima Sticks