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徹
“Penetrate / Clear / Pierce / Strike Home” in Japanese is 徹, read tetsu (てつ). It is a Jōyō kanji taught in Japanese secondary school (junior & senior high) — the 高手 · Master tier beyond the grade 1–6 Kyōiku set, and appears in words such as 徹底 (thoroughness).
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What does 徹 mean?
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Full details, readings & example
| Kanji | 徹 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Penetrate / Clear / Pierce / Strike Home |
| Readings | てつ |
| Grade | Master (高手 · secondary school) |
| Curriculum | Jōyō kanji · Japanese secondary school (JLPT N1–N2) |
| Example | 徹底 (thoroughness) |
How to read 徹
徹 is read tetsu (てつ) depending on the word.
Words with 徹
- 徹底
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Kanji read the same way as 徹
Same sound, different character — the classic trap. Compare them side by side:
Updated: 2026-08-28