Japanese symbol for “hug”

擁する

ようする

Romaji: yousuru

to embrace; to hug

In Japanese, hug is 擁する, read ようする (yousuru).

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

vs-s, vt to embrace; to hug
vs-s, vt to have; to possess
vs-s, vt to command; to lead; to employ
vs-s, vt to support; to back up; to rally around

Kanji and stroke order

擁

hug, embrace, possess

on: ヨウ

16 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “hug”

Word	Reading	Meaning
抱擁	ほうよう houyou	embrace; hug; holding in one's arms
抱く	いだく idaku	to hold in one's arms (e.g. a baby); to embrace; to hug
抱く	だく daku	to hold in one's arms (e.g. a baby); to embrace; to hug
ハグ	ハグ hagu	hug
抱く	うだく udaku	to hold in one's arms (e.g. a baby); to embrace; to hug

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

Word	Reading	Meaning
擁護	ようご yougo	protection; defence; support
擁立	ようりつ youritsu	backing (for a position); giving support to; helping (someone) to a position
抱擁	ほうよう houyou	embrace; hug; holding in one's arms
人権擁護	じんけんようご jinken'yougo	protection of human rights
擁壁	ようへき youheki	retaining wall; breast wall; revetment