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道Nihongo Path
佳

佳·excellent, beautiful, good

On-yomi
か
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
佳作かさくhonourable mention; a fine piece of work
佳境かきょうthe most interesting part, the climax
佳人かじんa beautiful woman
絶佳ぜっかsuperb (esp. of scenery)

Example sentences

  1. コンクールで佳作に選ばれた。

    コンクールでかさくにえらばれた。

    My entry was given an honourable mention in the competition.

  2. 物語はいよいよ佳境に入った。

    ものがたりはいよいよかきょうにはいった。

    The story has finally reached its most gripping part.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • 佳境に入る means 'reach the most interesting part', not 'enter a nice place'.
  • 佳作 in a contest is a runner-up prize, below 入選 and the main award.

Memory aid

Picture it

A person 亻 beside 圭, the fine jade tablet held at ceremonies: a person as fine as jade — excellent, beautiful.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 佳 mean?