Japanese symbol for “illustrating”

図示

ずし

Romaji: zushi

showing by a diagram; illustrating; representing graphically

In Japanese, illustrating is 図示, read ずし (zushi).

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, vs, vt showing by a diagram; illustrating; representing graphically

Kanji and stroke order

図

map, drawing, plan

on: ズ、ト
kun: え、はか.る

7 strokes · JLPT 3

示

show, indicate, point out

on: ジ、シ
kun: しめ.す

5 strokes · JLPT 2

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

Word	Reading	Meaning
地図	ちず chizu	map; atlas; chart
図書館	としょかん toshokan	library
意図	いと ito	intention; aim; design
図る	はかる hakaru	to plan; to attempt; to devise
図書	としょ tosho	books
合図	あいず aizu	sign; signal; cue
展示	てんじ tenji	exhibition; display
指示	しじ shiji	indication; denotation; designation

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.