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道Nihongo Path
刑

刑·penalty, punishment

On-yomi
ケイ
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.

6 strokes, numbered in writing order. Data: KanjiVG (CC BY-SA 3.0).

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
刑事けいじdetective; criminal (case)
死刑しけいthe death penalty
刑務所けいむしょprison
刑罰けいばつpunishment, penalty

Example sentences

  1. 刑事がその男を調べている。

    けいじがそのおとこをしらべている。

    A detective is investigating that man.

  2. この国に死刑はありません。

    このくににしけいはありません。

    There is no death penalty in this country.

  3. 彼は五年間刑務所にいた。

    かれはごねんかんけいむしょにいた。

    He spent five years in prison.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 刑事 as *けいごと
  • Writing 刑 with 彡 as if it were 形

Memory aid

Picture it

A blade (刂) standing at the right — a sentence handed down with an edge to it.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 刑 mean?