King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “reel”

Romaji: waku
frame; framework

In Japanese, reel is , read (waku).

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, n-suf frame; framework
  2. n, n-suf border; box
  3. n, n-suf limit; restriction; quota
  4. n, n-suf category; bracket; class
  5. n, n-suf time slot (in a broadcasting schedule)
  6. n, n-suf stream; livestream; live stream; live (online) broadcast

Written forms: . Readings: .

Kanji and stroke order

frame, framework, spindle

kun: わく
8 strokes · JLPT 1

Other Japanese words for “reel”

WordReadingMeaning
リール riirureel
くる kuruto reel; to wind; to spin (thread)
かん kanvolume (of book); reel (of film)
いとまき itomakispool (of thread); reel; bobbin
いとわく itowakureel; spool

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
わくぐみ wakugumiframe (physical structure); framework
わくがい wakugai(beyond the) limits; scope; boundary
べつわく betsuwakuadditional; extraordinary; outside the norms
おおわく oowakugeneral framework; broad outline; rough idea
わくない wakunaiwithin the limits (framework, boundaries, price, etc.)
くろわく kurowakublack borders; mourning borders (e.g. on an obituary)

See also: Chinese symbol for “reel”.

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. Collapsible Tai Chi Swords in Parks and Public Transit
  2. Are Telescopic Tai Chi Swords Good for Practice
  3. Best Tai Chi Swords for Beginners and How to Choose Yours
  4. Choosing the Right Tai Chi Sword Length for Your Height
  5. Choosing Your First Tai Chi Sword Wood or Metal
  6. Selecting a Bokken for Outdoor Training
  7. Are Unvarnished Bokken Better for Grip Than Lacquered Ones
  8. Best Wooden Butterfly Knives for Wing Chun Form Practice
  9. Choosing a Bokken Set for Training Quality and Durability
  10. Best Lightweight Bokken for Older Students and Senior Aikido