読 – Read (Doku / Yomu Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 読.
Kanji 読 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
読 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 読書 (dokusho – reading books).
Used as a verb meaning "to read," such as 本を読む (hon o yomu – to read a book).
読 Stroke Order – How to Write 読
読 is written with 14 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the speech/words radical (言) on the left, followed by the selling/continuation component (売) on the right.
Common Words Using 読 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 8 essential words that use the kanji 読, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 読
See 読 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
毎日、本を読みます。
まいにち、ほんを よみます。
Mainichi, hon o yomimasu.
I read books every day.
図書館で読書をしました。
としょかんで どくしょを しました。
Toshokan de dokusho o shimashita.
I read books at the library.
この漢字の読み方を教えてください。
このかんじの よみかたを おしえてください。
Kono kanji no yomikata o oshiete kudasai.
Please teach me how to read this kanji.
先生の後について文章を音読します。
せんせいのあとについて ぶんしょうを おんどくします。
Sensei no ato ni tsuite bunshou o ondoku shimasu.
We read the text aloud after the teacher.
試験の前に問題文をよく読んでください。
しけんのまえに もんだいぶんを よくよんでください。
Shiken no mae ni mondaibun o yoku yonde kudasai.
Please read the exam questions carefully before the test.
Frequently Asked Questions About 読
What does the Kanji 読 mean?
読 means "to read." It is an essential JLPT N4 kanji used in verbs like 読む (yomu, to read) and compounds like 読書 (dokusho, reading books).
What are the Onyomi readings of 読?
The Onyomi readings of 読 are ドク (doku), トク (toku), and トウ (tou), as in 読書 (dokusho, reading) and 読点 (touten, comma).
What are the Kunyomi readings of 読?
The main Kunyomi reading of 読 is よむ (yomu, to read).
How many strokes does 読 have?
読 is written with 14 strokes.
Is 読 a JLPT N4 kanji?
Yes, 読 is a standard JLPT N4 kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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