午 – Noon, Sign of the Horse (Go Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 午.
Kanji 午 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
午 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 午前 (gozen – morning / AM) and 午後 (gogo – afternoon / PM).
午 Stroke Order – How to Write 午
午 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the vertical hanging stroke, followed by the top horizontal stroke, then the middle horizontal stroke, and finish with the bottom closing horizontal stroke.
Common Words Using 午 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 5 essential words that use the kanji 午, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 午
See 午 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
午後は会議があります。
ごごは かいぎが あります。
Gogo wa kaigi ga arimasu.
There is a meeting in the afternoon.
午前九時に出発します。
ごぜん きゅうじに しゅっぱつします。
Gozen kyuuji ni shuppatsu shimasu.
We will depart at 9:00 AM.
正午に昼ご飯を食べます。
しょうごに ひるごはんを たべます。
Shougo ni hirugohan o tabemasu.
I eat lunch at noon.
午前と午後、どちらが都合がいいですか。
ごぜんとごご、どちらが つごうが いいですか。
Gozen to gogo, dochira ga tsuugou ga ii desu ka.
Which is more convenient for you, morning or afternoon?
午後に雨が降るでしょう。
ごごに あめが ふるでしょう。
Gogo ni ame ga furu deshou.
It will likely rain in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions About 午
What does the Kanji 午 mean?
午 primarily means "noon" or the sign of the horse. It is most commonly used in time compounds like 午前 (gozen, AM) and 午後 (gogo, PM).
What is the Onyomi reading of 午?
The Onyomi reading of 午 is ゴ (go), as in 午前 (gozen, morning) and 午後 (gogo, afternoon).
Does 午 have a Kunyomi reading?
In modern everyday Japanese, 午 does not have a commonly used standalone Kunyomi reading in isolation.
How many strokes does 午 have?
午 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 午 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 午 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji crucial for telling time and understanding morning and afternoon designations.
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