皇
皇·emperor
- On-yomi
- コウオウ
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 天皇 | てんのう | Emperor of Japan |
| 皇居 | こうきょ | Imperial Palace |
| 皇室 | こうしつ | the Imperial family |
| 法皇 | ほうおう | cloistered emperor |
Example sentences
皇居の周りを走る人が多い。
こうきょのまわりをはしるひとがおおい。
A lot of people run around the Imperial Palace.
皇室の行事がテレビで放送された。
こうしつのぎょうじがテレビでほうそうされた。
The Imperial family's ceremony was broadcast on television.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 天皇 as てんおう — it is てんのう
- Reading 法皇 with コウ; here the older オウ reading survives: ほうおう
Memory aid
Picture it
白 (white, shining) sitting on top of 王 (king) — the radiant ruler who stands above all the kings.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 皇 mean?