The kanji 父 primarily represents "father." It signifies the male parent and the role associated with fatherhood within a family structure. It can also refer to ancestors or a respected male figure. The core meaning focuses on the familial role and the concept of lineage and ancestry.

・On-yomi (音読み): フ（fu） ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): ちち（chichi）

⚫︎ 父親（chichioya） Translation: Father; one's own father ⚫︎ 父母（fubo） Translation: Parents (father and mother) ⚫︎ 父の日（chichi no hi） Translation: Father's Day

The kanji 父 is a pictograph. It depicts a hand holding a stick or tool, representing a male figure who provides for and protects the family. The top part represents the hand and the bottom part is a person, this arrangement implies the role of the father as a worker, supporter and protector. This meaning evolved over time to simply represent the "father".