Japanese Symbols — Learn Japanese, Understand Japan

Japanese Symbol for

調和

chōwa

harmony · balance · concord

Readings

  • 調 ONチョウchō
  • 調 KUNしら(べる)shira-beru (to investigate, tune)
  • 和 ONワwa
  • 和 KUNやわ(らぐ)・なご(む)yawaragu / nagomu

Meaning

Harmony, balance, concord, accord. 調和 is the harmony of things working together in balance. 和 alone is one of Japan's most important cultural concepts — the spirit of harmony that underlies Japanese social values.

Example words

和

wa

harmony, peace, Japanese-style

協和

kyōwa

concord, harmony, concert

融和

yūwa

harmony, reconciliation

和合

wagō

harmony, concord, unity

協調

kyōchō

cooperation, conciliation, harmony

大和

Yamato

ancient name for Japan (lit. "great harmony")

Stroke order

Stroke order for 調
Stroke order for 和

和 (wa) is so central to Japanese identity that Japan's ancient name 大和 (Yamato) literally means "great harmony." The Seventeen-Article Constitution of Prince Shōtoku (604 AD) opens with 和をもって尊しとなす — "harmony is to be valued above all." This ideal of group harmony over individual assertion remains a defining feature of Japanese culture.

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