帰 – Return, Go Home, Come Back (Ki / Kaeru Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 帰.
Kanji 帰 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
帰 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 帰国 (kikoku – returning to one's country) and 帰宅 (kitaku – returning home).
Used as a verb meaning "to return" or "to go home," such as 家に帰る (ie ni kaeru – to go home).
帰 Stroke Order – How to Write 帰
帰 is written with 10 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the broom/stop components on the left and top, followed by the knife and bottom structural elements.
Common Words Using 帰 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 帰, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 帰
See 帰 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
私は午後五時に家に帰ります。
わたしは ごごごじに いえに かえります。
Watashi wa gogo goji ni ie ni kaerimasu.
I go home at 5:00 PM.
お帰りなさい。
おかえりなさい。
Okaeri nasai.
Welcome back home.
来週、国へ帰ります。
らいしゅう、くにへ かえります。
Raishuu, kuni e kaerimasu.
Next week, I will return to my home country.
帰り道で友達に会いました。
かえりみちで ともだちに あいました。
Kaerimichi de tomodachi ni aimashita.
I met a friend on my way home.
このお弁当は持ち帰りができます。
このおべんとうは もちかえりが できます。
Kono obentou wa mochikaeri ga dekimasu.
This bento box can be taken to go.
Frequently Asked Questions About 帰
What does the Kanji 帰 mean?
帰 means "return," "go home," or "come back." It is a vital everyday kanji used in common verbs like 帰る (kaeru, to go home) and nouns like 帰国 (kikoku, returning to one's country).
What is the Onyomi reading of 帰?
The Onyomi reading of 帰 is キ (ki), as in 帰国 (kikoku, returning to one's country) and 帰宅 (kitaku, returning home).
What are the Kunyomi readings of 帰?
The Kunyomi readings of 帰 include かえる (kaeru, to return/go home) and かえす (kaesu, to send back/return something).
How many strokes does 帰 have?
帰 is written with 10 strokes.
What JLPT level is 帰 associated with?
帰 is a common JLPT N4 level kanji.
Your Japanese story
starts right now.
Join 2.4 million learners. Free 6 Month Premium plan. No credit card needed.