King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “dominate”

Romaji: nigiru
to clasp; to grasp; to grip; to clutch

In Japanese, dominate is , read (nigiru).

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. v5r, vt to clasp; to grasp; to grip; to clutch
  2. v5r, vt to hold (the answer); to have (e.g. the solution); to be the key; to be the reason
  3. v5r, vt to seize (power); to hold (the reins); to dominate; to control
  4. v5r, vt to make (nigirizushi, rice ball, etc.); to form (with one's hands); to press into shape; to mold; to mould

Kanji and stroke order

grip, hold, mould sushi
on: アク
kun: にぎ.る
12 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “dominate”

WordReadingMeaning
しりにしく shirinishikuto dominate (usu. one's husband)
ゆういにたつ yuuinitatsuto dominate; to prevail; to be superior to
はをとなえる haotonaeruto reign supreme; to assume the leadership (hegemony); to dominate
やくす yakusuto command; to dominate
やくする yakusuruto command; to dominate

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
あくしゅ akushuhandshake
はあく haakugrasp (of the situation, meaning, etc.); understanding; control
にぎり nigirigrasping; gripping; grasp
しょうあく shouakugrasping; seizing; holding
あくりょく akuryokugrip (of hand); grip strength

See also: Chinese symbol for “dominate”.

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. Best Wooden Butterfly Knives for Wing Chun Form Practice
  2. Choosing a Bokken Set for Training Quality and Durability
  3. Best Lightweight Bokken for Older Students and Senior Aikido
  4. Choosing a Bokken for Koryu Practice by School Requirements
  5. Choosing a Bokken Tsuba and Stopper Set for Training
  6. Cotton vs Polyester Hakama Which Is Easier to Maintain
  7. Choosing Your First Bokken for Serious Samurai Training
  8. Are Engraved Bokken Good Gifts and Can You Train With Them
  9. Best Wooden Naginata for Practice and How to Choose Yours
  10. Choosing a Keikogi for Hakama Compatibility and Performance