The Kanji for Dragon (竜 and 龍): Readings, Difference & Names
竜 and 龍 both mean dragon. One is the modern simplified form, the other the traditional. Here's when each appears and how to read them.
Dragon is one of the most-requested kanji, and Japanese gives you two forms: 竜 and 龍. They mean the same creature; the difference is style and era.
竜 — the modern standard form
- On'yomi: リュウ (ryū)
- Kun'yomi: たつ (tatsu)
- Stroke count: 10
- This is the jōyō (standard) form taught in schools and used in most print.
龍 — the traditional form
- Same readings: リュウ / たつ
- Stroke count: 16 — visibly more ornate
- Common in names, temples, martial-arts schools, and anything aiming for a classical or powerful feel.
Dragon words and names
恐竜 (kyōryū) is “dinosaur” — literally “fearsome dragon.” 竜巻 (tatsumaki) is a tornado — a “dragon coil.” The reading たつ is also the Year of the Dragon in the zodiac and a frequent component of Japanese given names like 竜也 (Tatsuya).
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