木 – Tree / Wood (Ki / Moku / Boku Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 木.
Kanji 木 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
木 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 木曜日 (mokuyoubi – Thursday) and 木材 (mokuzai – timber, lumber).
Used as a standalone word meaning tree, such as 木の下 (ki no shita – under the tree) and 植木 (ueki – garden tree, potted plant).
木 Stroke Order – How to Write 木
木 is written with 4 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the horizontal stroke first, then the vertical stroke through the center, finishing with the left and right diagonal strokes.
Common Words Using 木 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 木, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 木
See 木 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
木曜日に友達と会います。
もくようびに ともだちと あいます。
Mokuyoubi ni tomodachi to aimasu.
I will meet my friend on Thursday.
公園に大きい木があります。
こうえんに おおきい きが あります。
Kouen ni ookii ki ga arimasu.
There is a big tree in the park.
この家は木造です。
この いえは もくぞうです。
Kono ie wa mokuzou desu.
This house is made of wood.
木の下で休みました。
きの したで やすみました。
Ki no shita de yasumimashita.
I rested under the tree.
祖母は庭で植木の世話をしています。
そぼは にわで うえきの せわを しています。
Sobo wa niwa de ueki no sewa o shite imasu.
My grandmother takes care of the garden trees.
Frequently Asked Questions About 木
What does the Kanji 木 mean?
木 means tree or wood. It is one of the most common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 木曜日 (mokuyoubi, Thursday) and 木材 (mokuzai, timber).
What is the Onyomi reading of 木?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) readings of 木 are モク (moku), as in 木曜日 (mokuyoubi, Thursday), and ボク (boku), used in words such as 大木 (taiboku, large tree).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 木?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 木 is き (ki), meaning "tree," as in 木の下 (ki no shita, under the tree) and 植木 (ueki, garden tree, potted plant).
How many strokes does 木 have?
木 is written with 4 strokes.
Is 木 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 木 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for the days of the week, since it forms 木曜日 (Thursday).
Your Japanese story
starts right now.
Join 2.4 million learners. Free 6 Month Premium plan. No credit card needed.