是
是·right, just
- On-yomi
- ゼ
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 是非 | ぜひ | by all means; right and wrong |
| 是正 | ぜせい | correction, rectification |
| 是認 | ぜにん | approval, endorsement |
| 国是 | こくぜ | national policy |
Example sentences
是非一度遊びに来てください。
ぜひいちどあそびにきてください。
Please do come and visit sometime.
賃金の格差を是正すべきだ。
ちんぎんのかくさをぜせいすべきだ。
The wage gap should be corrected.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 是非 as しひ — it is ぜひ
- Treating 是非 only as 'by all means'; in formal writing 是非 also means 'the rights and wrongs' of something
Memory aid
Picture it
The sun (日) directly over what is correct below — what stands straight in the light is 是, right.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 是 mean?