昭
昭·shining, bright, Showa (era name)
- On-yomi
- ショウ
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 昭和 | しょうわ | Showa era (1926-1989) |
| 昭和時代 | しょうわじだい | the Showa period |
| 昭和天皇 | しょうわてんのう | Emperor Showa |
| 昭和生まれ | しょうわうまれ | born in the Showa era |
Example sentences
祖父は昭和三年に生まれた。
そふはしょうわさんねんにうまれた。
My grandfather was born in the third year of Showa.
昭和の歌が最近また流行っている。
しょうわのうたがさいきんまたはやっている。
Songs from the Showa era are popular again lately.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 昭和 as しょうか — it is しょうわ
- Writing 照和 for 昭和 — the era name has no fire dots
Memory aid
Picture it
日 (sun) beside 召 (to summon): the sun called out into the open — bright. In practice you will meet it almost only in 昭和.
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 昭 mean?