King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “maneuver”

Romaji: kidou
maneuver (usu. of military force); manoeuvre

In Japanese, maneuver is , read (kidou).

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 maneuver (usu. of military force); manoeuvre
  2. adj-f mobile; nimble; agile; quick to respond

Kanji and stroke order

loom, mechanism, machine
on: キ
kun: はた
16 strokes · JLPT 2
move, motion, change
on: ドウ
kun: うご.く、うご.かす
11 strokes · JLPT 3

Other Japanese words for “maneuver”

WordReadingMeaning
あやつる ayatsuruto operate (e.g. a machine); to handle; to manage
のりこなす norikonasuto manage skillfully; to manoeuvre (e.g. car, horse); to maneuver
マニューバー manyuubaamaneuver; manouevre
きりゃく kiryakuresources; maneuver; manoeuvre
たちまわる tachimawaruto conduct oneself; to act; to maneuver (in a way that benefits oneself)

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
きのう kinoufunction; facility; faculty
きかん kikanengine
きかい kikaichance; opportunity; occasion
きかい kikaimachine; mechanism
きき kikicrisis; critical situation; emergency
きこう kikoumechanism; machinery
かつどう katsudouactivity (of a person, organization, animal, volcano, etc.); action; operation
こうどう koudouaction; conduct; behaviour

See also: Chinese symbol for “maneuver”.

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