Connection
Courtesy
rei / れい
Dictionary meaning
Established manners or ritual, showing respect, and feelings of gratitude. The meaning depends on the word or setting.
Your intended symbolism
Your personal symbolism is separate from the dictionary meaning. Explain what you want this choice to express to a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Context & cautions
Rei is a selected reading. Courtesy is an English guide to one group of meanings, rather than a guarantee that the character always means respect alone.
Size & legibility: discuss with your artist
There is no universal minimum tattoo size based on stroke count. Ask your artist to check line weight, the gaps between strokes, placement, and how the lettering may age. Preview dimensions include transparent margins and are not a safe minimum size.
Typeface, output quality & sources →- On’yomi
- Selected: レイ · rei
- Kun’yomi
Selected readings are shown. On’yomi are readings of Chinese origin; kun’yomi are native Japanese readings. The word and context determine which is used.
Dictionary reference: Japanese dictionary entry ↗
Dictionary links are references only. They do not mean that the linked organization certifies, endorses, or supervises this site.
PICTURE YOUR PLACEMENT
See your kanji on skin
Explore where your kanji could sit before discussing the final placement with your artist.
From character to lettering
This is a typeset reference, rather than a tattoo stencil. Check the final drawing, orientation, and intended meaning with a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Read the before-the-ink guide →
