King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “litter”

Romaji: tanka
stretcher; litter; gurney

In Japanese, litter is , read (tanka).

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. n stretcher; litter; gurney

Written forms: . Readings: .

Kanji and stroke order

shouldering, carry, raise
on: タン
kun: かつ.ぐ、にな.う
8 strokes · JLPT 2
erect, frame, mount
on: カ
kun: か.ける、か.かる
9 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “litter”

WordReadingMeaning
ごみ gomirubbish; trash; garbage
みこし mikoshipalanquin; litter
ひとはら hitoharalitter (of animals)
こし koshipalanquin; litter; bier
どうふくし doufukushilitter (of animals); littermate

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
たんとう tantoubeing in charge (of an area of responsibility); being responsible (for a work role, etc.)
ふたん futanburden; load; responsibility
たんぽ tanposecurity; guarantee; collateral
たんにん tanninbeing in charge of (esp. a class or subject); taking charge of
ぶんたん buntantaking on one's share (e.g. of work); dividing (work, expenses, etc.) between; apportionment
になう ninauto carry on one's shoulder; to shoulder; to bear
かくう kakuufictitious; imaginary; fanciful
じゅうじか juujikacross (for crucifixion); the Cross (of Christ)

See also: Chinese symbol for “litter”.

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.