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道Nihongo Path
透

透·transparent, penetrate

On-yomi
トウ
Kun-yomi
す(く)す(かす)す(ける)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
透明とうめいtransparent
浸透しんとうpermeation, taking hold
透けるすけるto show through
透き通るすきとおるto be see-through, to be crystal clear

Example sentences

  1. この紙は薄くて下の字が透ける。

    このかみはうすくてしたのじがすける。

    This paper is thin and the letters underneath show through.

  2. 新しい考え方が少しずつ社会に浸透した。

    あたらしいかんがえかたがすこしずつしゃかいにしんとうした。

    The new way of thinking gradually took hold in society.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 浸透 as しんどう — it is しんとう
  • 透ける (to show through) is intransitive; the transitive partner is 透かす

Memory aid

Picture it

The road radical 辶 with 秀: light making its way right through to the other side.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 透 mean?