拘
拘·detain, restrict
- On-yomi
- コウ
- Kun-yomi
- かか(わる)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 拘束 | こうそく | restraint, detention |
| 拘留 | こうりゅう | detention, custody |
| 拘置所 | こうちしょ | detention house |
| 拘泥 | こうでい | being overly particular about |
Example sentences
この仕事は拘束時間が長い。
このしごとはこうそくじかんがながい。
This job ties up a lot of your time.
容疑者は三日間拘留された。
ようぎしゃはみっかかんこうりゅうされた。
The suspect was held in custody for three days.
細かい点に拘泥しすぎている。
こまかいてんにこうでいしすぎている。
You are fussing too much over small details.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 拘束 as こうそく vs 高速 — they sound alike but 拘束 is restraint, 高速 is high speed
- Note that にもかかわらず is normally written in kana; the 拘 spelling 拘わらず is rare
Memory aid
Picture it
A hand (扌) closing around a phrase (句) and holding it fast — keeping someone bound.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 拘 mean?