奇跡 (Miracle, Wonder) – Japanese Kanji Design

Kanji Image Gallery

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The Kanji 奇跡 (Kiseki) beautifully encapsulates the concept of a miracle, representing extraordinary events that transcend ordinary understanding. It evokes feelings of hope, wonder, and profound destiny.

Japanese Kanji

奇跡

Romaji Reading Kiseki

Core Meaning Miracle, Wonder

Nuance Extraordinary, Serendipity, Fortuitous

Tattoo Suitability Rating

★★★★☆

Meaningful but Detailed

The Kanji 奇跡 carries a powerful, positive meaning. However, its two characters, particularly 跡 with its numerous strokes, present a moderate level of visual complexity. For optimal clarity and to prevent ink spreading or blurring over many years, a larger tattoo size is highly recommended.

The Deep Meaning Behind 奇跡

The term 奇跡 (Kiseki) is a compound word formed from 奇 (ki), meaning ‘strange, mysterious, wonderful,’ and 跡 (seki), meaning ‘trace, footprint, mark.’ Together, they convey the idea of a ‘wonderful trace’ or ‘mysterious mark,’ signifying an event so rare and profound that it leaves an indelible impression, often implying divine or extraordinary intervention.

In Japanese culture, 奇跡 is not merely about luck but often carries a deeper spiritual or existential resonance. It speaks to moments when the impossible becomes possible, inspiring hope and a sense of awe. This concept is celebrated in various forms of art, literature, and everyday expressions, symbolizing resilience, unexpected blessings, and the triumph of spirit against adversity.

Kanji Breakdown

Understanding the individual components of 奇跡 reveals the depth of its meaning.

奇

Meaning: Strange, mysterious, rare, wonderful. The character 奇 depicts a ‘large’ (大) object that ‘can’ (可) be. Historically, it related to rare and unusual events or objects, embodying the ‘wonder’ aspect of a miracle. It suggests something out of the ordinary, inspiring curiosity and awe.

跡

Meaning: Trace, mark, footprint, remains. Composed of 足 (ashi – foot) and 亦 (eki – also/similar, phonetic component), 跡 literally means ‘footprints’ or ‘traces.’ In the context of 奇跡, it signifies the lasting evidence or impact left by an extraordinary event, a tangible reminder of the miraculous occurrence.

Conclusion

The Kanji 奇跡 is a profound symbol of hope, representing those extraordinary moments in life that defy explanation and fill us with wonder. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the unexpected and beautiful can occur, leaving a lasting impact.

Choosing 奇跡 for a tattoo is to embrace a powerful affirmation of life’s unexpected blessings and the enduring possibility of the impossible. Its meaning is a constant source of inspiration, perfect for those who believe in destiny and the miraculous journey of existence.