The kanji 寅 represents the third sign of the Chinese zodiac, the tiger. It symbolizes the tiger, an animal associated with strength, courage, and leadership. It also represents the hours of 3 to 5 a.m. It is often used in the context of the year of the tiger or specific time periods.

・On-yomi (音読み): イン (in) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): とら (tora)

⚫︎寅年 Translation: The Year of the Tiger. ⚫︎寅の刻 Translation: The hour of the Tiger (3-5 a.m.). ⚫︎寅の方角 Translation: The direction of the Tiger (northeast).

The kanji 寅 is a pictograph. The shape is said to have originally depicted the outstretched claws of an animal, potentially a hand. Over time, this evolved to represent the tiger, and its place in the zodiac was established. The character's form has remained relatively consistent over the centuries.