鍛 — “Forge / Discipline / Train” in Japanese

Master (高手)たん, きた

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“Forge / Discipline / Train” in Japanese is 鍛, read tan, kita (たん, きた). 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 鍛える (to train).

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What does 鍛 mean?

Full details, readings & example

Kanji	鍛
Meaning	Forge / Discipline / Train
Readings	たん, きた
Grade	Master (高手 · secondary school)
Curriculum	Jōyō kanji · Japanese secondary school (JLPT N1–N2)
Example	鍛える (to train)

How to read 鍛

鍛 is read tan (たん) or kita (きた) depending on the word.

Words with 鍛

鍛錬
鍛える

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Kanji read the same way as 鍛

Same sound, different character — the classic trap. Compare them side by side:

Updated: 2026-08-28