魚 – Fish (Gyo / Uo / Sakana Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 魚.
Kanji 魚 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
魚 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 金魚 (kingyo – goldfish) and 人魚 (ningyo – mermaid).
Used to mean a fish, as in 美味しい魚を食べました (oishii sakana o tabemashita).
魚 Stroke Order – How to Write 魚
魚 is written with 11 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top curving hook stroke and enclosing frame first, followed by the internal horizontal lines, and finish with the four dots (kanmuri / renga) at the bottom.
Common Words Using 魚 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 6 essential words that use the kanji 魚, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 魚
See 魚 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
川で魚を釣りました。
かわで さかなを つりました。
Kawa de sakana o tsurimashita.
I caught a fish in the river.
毎朝、美味しい焼き魚を食べます。
まいあさ、おいしい やきざかなを たべます。
Maiasa, oishii yakizakana o tabemasu.
Every morning, I eat delicious grilled fish.
水槽の中で金魚が泳いでいます。
すいそうの なかで きんぎょが およいでいます。
Suisō no naka de kingyo ga oyoide imasu.
Goldfish are swimming inside the fish tank.
魚屋で新鮮な魚を買いました。
さかなやで しんせんな さかなを かいました。
Sakanaya de shinsen na sakana o kaimashita.
I bought fresh fish at the fish market.
子供の時、人魚の絵本が好きでした。
こどものとき、にんぎょの えほんが すきでした。
Kodomo no toki, ningyo no ehon ga suki deshita.
When I was a child, I liked mermaid picture books.
Frequently Asked Questions About 魚
What does the Kanji 魚 mean?
魚 means "fish." It is a fundamental JLPT N5 kanji used in words like 魚 (sakana, fish) and 金魚 (kingyo, goldfish).
What is the Onyomi reading of 魚?
The primary Onyomi reading of 魚 is ギョ (gyo), as seen in compound words like 金魚 (kingyo, goldfish) and 人魚 (ningyo, mermaid).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 魚?
The main Kunyomi readings are さかな (sakana) and うお (uo) when referring to a fish.
How many strokes does 魚 have?
魚 is written with 11 strokes.
Is 魚 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 魚 is an essential JLPT N5 kanji taught in grade 2 of Japanese elementary school.
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