母 – Mother (Bo / Haha Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 母.
Kanji 母 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
母 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 母親 (hahaoya – mother) and 母校 (bokou – alma mater).
Used to refer to one own mother politely or humbly, as in 母は元気です (haha wa genki desu).
母 Stroke Order – How to Write 母
母 is written with 5 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the sweeping diagonal hook stroke first, followed by the horizontal line, the vertical intersecting stroke, and the two inside dots.
Common Words Using 母 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 8 essential words that use the kanji 母, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 母
See 母 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
私には優しい母がいます。
わたしには やさしい ははが います。
Watashi ni wa yasashii haha ga imasu.
I have a kind mother.
母の日にカーネーションを贈りました。
ははのひに かーねーしょんを おくりました。
Haha no hi ni kaaneeshon o okurimashita.
I gave carnations for Mother's Day.
お母さんは今台所にいます。
おかあさんは いま だいどころに います。
Okaasan wa ima daidokoro ni imasu.
Mother is in the kitchen right now.
来年、自分の母国へ帰るつもりです。
らいねん、じぶんの ぼこへ かえるつもりです。
Rainen, jibun no bokoku e kaeru tsumori desu.
Next year, I plan to return to my home country.
日本語の母音は五つあります。
にほんごの ぼいんは いつつ あります。
Nihonngo no boin wa itsutsu arimasu.
There are five vowels in Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions About 母
What does the Kanji 母 mean?
母 means "mother." It is an essential JLPT N5 kanji used in daily words like 母 (haha, mother) and お母さん (okaasan, polite mother).
What is the Onyomi reading of 母?
The primary Onyomi reading of 母 is ボ (bo), as in 母親 (hahaoya, mother) and 母国 (bokoku, homeland).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 母?
The main Kunyomi readings are はは (haha) for one's own mother and おかあさん (okaasan) when addressing or talking about mothers politely.
How many strokes does 母 have?
母 is written with 5 strokes.
Is 母 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 母 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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