Japanese symbol for “propriety”
可否
かひ
Romaji: kahi
propriety; right and wrong; advisability; possibility
In Japanese, propriety is 可否, read かひ (kahi).
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
- adj-no, n propriety; right and wrong; advisability; possibility
- adj-no, n pro and con; ayes and noes
Kanji and stroke order
Other Japanese words for “propriety”
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 作法 | さほう sahou | manners; etiquette; propriety |
| 当否 | とうひ touhi | propriety; right or wrong; justice |
| 具合 | ぐあい guai | face; dignity; decency |
| 適否 | てきひ tekihi | propriety; fitness; aptitude |
| 礼節 | れいせつ reisetsu | decorum; propriety; politeness |
Related words
Words that share a kanji.
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 可能 | かのう kanou | possible; potential; practicable |
| 許可 | きょか kyoka | permission; approval; authorization |
| 不可能 | ふかのう fukanou | impossible |
| 可哀想 | かわいそう kawaisou | poor; pitiable; pathetic |
| 可愛い | かわいい kawaii | cute; adorable; charming |
| 認可 | にんか ninka | approval; license; licence |
| 拒否 | きょひ kyohi | refusal; rejection; denial |
| 否定 | ひてい hitei | denial; negation; repudiation |
See also: Chinese symbol for “propriety”.
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.