昆
昆·insect, descendants
- On-yomi
- コン
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 昆虫 | こんちゅう | insect |
| 昆布 | こんぶ | kelp, kombu |
| 昆虫採集 | こんちゅうさいしゅう | insect collecting |
| 昆布茶 | こぶちゃ | kelp tea |
Example sentences
息子は昆虫を集めるのが好きだ。
むすこはこんちゅうをあつめるのがすきだ。
My son likes collecting insects.
出汁は昆布から取るのが基本だ。
だしはこんぶからとるのがきほんだ。
The basic way to make stock is from kelp.
夏休みに昆虫採集をした。
なつやすみにこんちゅうさいしゅうをした。
I went insect collecting over the summer holidays.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 昆布 as こんふ — it voices to こんぶ (and to こぶ in 昆布茶)
- 昆 almost never stands alone; learn it inside 昆虫 and 昆布
Memory aid
Picture it
Sun 日 above 比 'lined up' — small creatures swarming side by side under the sun.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 昆 mean?