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道Nihongo Path
穀

穀·grain, cereal

On-yomi
コク
Kun-yomi
none

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
穀物こくもつgrain, cereals
雑穀ざっこくmixed grains, millet
穀類こくるいcereals
五穀ごこくthe five grains

Example sentences

  1. この地方は穀物の生産が盛んだ。

    このちほうはこくもつのせいさんがさかんだ。

    Grain production thrives in this region.

  2. 最近は雑穀入りのご飯を食べている。

    さいきんはざっこくいりのごはんをたべている。

    Lately I eat rice with mixed grains in it.

  3. 秋祭りで五穀豊穣を祈った。

    あきまつりでごこくほうじょうをいのった。

    At the autumn festival we prayed for a rich harvest.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 穀 with 几 and producing 殻 (husk)
  • Reading 雑穀 as ざつこく — the sound doubles to ざっこく

Memory aid

Picture it

The grain-plant radical 禾 tucked inside a husk being struck — beating the hull off the ear to get at the cereal.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 穀 mean?