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道Nihongo Path
訳

訳·translate, reason, meaning

On-yomi
ヤク
Kun-yomi
わけ

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
訳わけreason, circumstances
翻訳ほんやくtranslation (of writing)
訳すやくすto translate
申し訳ないもうしわけないI'm very sorry, inexcusable

Example sentences

  1. この文を英語に訳してください。

    このぶんをえいごにやくしてください。

    Please translate this sentence into English.

  2. 遅れた訳を説明しました。

    おくれたわけをせつめいしました。

    I explained the reason I was late.

  3. お待たせして申し訳ありません。

    おまたせしてもうしわけありません。

    I'm very sorry to have kept you waiting.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 訳 (わけ) with 役 (やく, role) — the left side is 言 for translation, 彳 for role
  • Reading 訳す as *わけす instead of やくす

Memory aid

Picture it

Words (言) next to 尺 (a measuring stick) — you measure one language against another to translate it, and the same kanji gives the 'reason' behind what was said.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 訳 mean?