父 – Father (Fu / Chichi Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 父.
Kanji 父 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
父 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 父母 (fubo – parents) and 祖父 (sofu – grandfather).
Used to refer to one's own father humbly, as in 父は会社員です (chichi wa kaishain desu).
父 Stroke Order – How to Write 父
父 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top-left dot, followed by the top-right dot, then the sweeping left-to-right crossing stroke, and finish with the vertical curved stroke ending in a hook.
Common Words Using 父 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 父, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 父
See 父 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
私には厳しくも優しい父がいます。
わたしには きびしくも やさしい ちちが います。
Watashi ni wa kibishiku mo yasashii chichi ga imasu.
I have a strict yet kind father.
お父さんは今新聞を読んでいます。
おとうさんは いま しんぶんを よんでいます。
Otousan wa ima shinbun o yonde imasu.
My father is reading the newspaper right now.
父と母は毎日散歩をします。
ちちと ははは まいにち さんぽを します。
Chichi to haha wa mainichi sanpo o shimasu.
My father and mother take a walk everyday.
私の祖父は今年八十歳になります。
わたしの そふは ことし はちじゅっさいに なります。
Watashi no sofu wa kotoshi hachijussai ni narimasu.
My grandfather is turning eighty years old this year.
父の日にお酒をプレゼントしました。
ちちのひに おさけを ぷれぜんとしました。
Chichi no hi ni osake o purezento shimashita.
I gave sake as a present for Father's Day.
Frequently Asked Questions About 父
What does the Kanji 父 mean?
父 means "father." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 父 (chichi, humble father) and お父さん (otousan, polite father).
What is the Onyomi reading of 父?
The primary Onyomi reading of 父 is フ (fu), as seen in compound words like 父母 (fubo, parents) and 祖父 (sofu, grandfather).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 父?
The main Kunyomi readings are ちち (chichi) when talking about your own father and おとうさん (otousan) when addressing or speaking politely about fathers.
How many strokes does 父 have?
父 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 父 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 父 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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