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道Nihongo Path
泣

泣·cry

On-yomi
キュウ
Kun-yomi
なく

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
泣くなくto cry, to weep
泣き声なきごえcrying voice
泣き出すなきだすto burst into tears
泣き虫なきむしcrybaby

Example sentences

  1. 子どもが大きな声で泣いています。

    こどもがおおきなこえでないています。

    A child is crying loudly.

  2. 妹は映画を見て泣き出した。

    いもうとはえいがをみてなきだした。

    My little sister burst into tears watching the film.

  3. 弟は泣き虫で、すぐ泣きます。

    おとうとはなきむしで、すぐなきます。

    My little brother is a crybaby and cries at once.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • 泣く is people crying; animal calls are 鳴く
  • Reading 泣き声 as なきせい — it is なきごえ

Memory aid

Picture it

Water 氵 beside 立 "stand" — standing there with water running down your face.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 泣 mean?