Kanji What does the kanji 臼 mean? 臼 means mortar (for pounding rice). On'yomi キュウ、グ. Kun'yomi うす、うすづ.く. Quick factsOn'yomiキュウ、グKun'yomiうす、うすづ.くStrokes6Main radical臼 臼On'yomi キュウ、グKun'yomi うす、うすづ.く6 strokesmortar (for pounding rice)Main radical臼mortar 6 strokesStroke order · 6 strokesWatch it written123456