Japanese symbol for “knead”
練る
ねる
Romaji: neru
to knead; to thicken into a paste (stirring over a flame)
In Japanese, knead is 練る, read ねる (neru).
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
- v5r, vt to knead; to thicken into a paste (stirring over a flame)
- v5r, vt to polish (a plan, etc.); to refine; to elaborate; to work out
- v5r, vt to train; to drill; to exercise
- v5r, vt to gloss (silk); to soften; to degum
- v5r, vt to tan (leather)
- v5r, vt to temper (steel)
Written forms: 練る、煉る、錬る、邌る. Readings: ねる.
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “knead”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 捏ねる | こねる koneru | to knead; to mix with fingers |
| こね回す | こねまわす konemawasu | to knead; to mix; to complicate |
| こね返す | こねかえす konekaesu | to knead; to mix; to complicate |
| こねくり回す | こねくりまわす konekurimawasu | to knead; to turn |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 練習 | れんしゅう renshuu | practice; training; drill |
| 訓練 | くんれん kunren | training; drill; practice |
| 未練 | みれん miren | lingering attachment; lingering affection; regret |
| 試練 | しれん shiren | test; trial; ordeal |
| 洗練 | せんれん senren | refinement; polish |
| 熟練 | じゅくれん jukuren | skill; expertise; experience |
See also: Chinese symbol for “knead”.
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.
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