The Kanji for Dragon (竜 and 龍): Readings, Difference & Names

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).