Kanji What does the kanji 芯 mean? 芯 means core, wick (of a lamp, pencil lead, etc.). On'yomi シン. Quick factsOn'yomiシンStrokes7Main radical艸 芯On'yomi シン7 strokescore, wick (of a lamp, pencil lead, etc.)Main radical艸grass, plant 6 strokesBuilt from心heart, feelings 4 strokes艸grass, plant 6 strokesStroke order · 7 strokesWatch it written1234567Common words芯しんcore; pencil lead, wick