King's Kung-Fu& Tai Chi

Japanese symbol for “unearth”

Romaji: horiokosu
to dig up; to unearth; to uncover

In Japanese, unearth is , read (horiokosu).

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. v5s, vt to dig up; to unearth; to uncover

Written forms: . Readings: .

Kanji and stroke order

dig, delve, excavate
on: クツ
kun: ほ.る
11 strokes · JLPT 2
rouse, wake up, get up
on: キ
kun: お.きる、お.こる、お.こす、おこ.す
10 strokes · JLPT 3

Other Japanese words for “unearth”

WordReadingMeaning
あばきたてる abakitateruto dig up (a secret, scandal, etc.); to expose; to uncover

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

WordReadingMeaning
はっくつ hakkutsuexcavation; exhumation; digging up
ほる horuto dig; to excavate; to hollow
さいくつ saikutsumining; digging; working (a mine)
くっさく kussakudigging out; excavation
とうくつ toukutsuillegal digging; illegal mining; grave robbing
しくつ shikutsuprospecting; trial digging
きそ kisoprosecution; indictment
おこる okoruto occur; to happen

See also: Chinese symbol for “unearth”.

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. Preventing Rust on Practice Swords and Choosing the Right Oil
  2. Choosing a Tai Chi Competition Sword for Performance
  3. Best Tai Chi Swords for Smaller Hands and How to Choose
  4. Best Lightweight Tai Chi Swords for Seniors
  5. Best Wooden Tai Chi Sabers for Beginners and How to Choose
  6. Buying a Tai Chi Broadsword for Practice
  7. Stainless Steel vs Chrome-Plated Jian for Martial Arts
  8. Why Your Tai Chi Sword Rattles and How to Buy a Better One
  9. Choosing the Right Sword Tassel for Balance and Style
  10. Choosing a Tai Chi Sword Bag for Daily Practice