韴

It means an interrupted or cut-off sound.

The Chinese dictionary Yupian, compiled by Gu Yewang in 543, explains 韴 with 断声: “a sound that breaks off.” Later Chinese dictionaries keep this sense, showing that 韴 had a dictionary use before the Japanese sword-name tradition.

What does 韴 mean in Japanese?

In 韴霊, it is part of a sacred-sword name.

The Nihon Shoki, a Japanese chronicle completed in 720, records the sword name as 韴霊. Later tradition places the blade at Isonokami Shrine and treats it as a divine object.

Japanese interpretations of the name differ: some connect it with the sound of cutting, while others propose radiance or a ritual meaning. Japanese sources also link this name to a Futsu group that includes 布都御魂, 佐士布都, and 経津主; these are related historical names, not alternate readings of 韴.

What if someone sends me 韴 alone?

A lone 韴 is ambiguous without its source or surrounding text. The Chinese dictionary points to an interrupted sound; the Japanese sword reading depends on the full name 韴霊. Ask which text the sender means before settling on a reading.