Japanese symbol for “subdue”

In Japanese, subdue is 収める, read おさめる (osameru).

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. v1, vt to put (into); to put away (in); to put back (in); to keep (in); to store (in); to restore (to its place)
2. v1, vt to include (in an anthology, catalogue, etc.); to contain; to publish (in); to capture (on film)
3. v1, vt to achieve (results, success, etc.); to obtain; to get; to gain; to win; to make (a profit)
4. v1, vt to pay (fees, taxes, etc.); to deliver; to supply
5. v1, vt to accept (a gift or money)
6. v1, vt to keep (within a limit)

Written forms: 収める、納める. Readings: おさめる.

Kanji and stroke order

↻ Replay stroke order

Other Japanese words for “subdue”

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

See also: Chinese symbol for “subdue”.

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.