健
健·healthy, robust, sound
- On-yomi
- ケン
- Kun-yomi
- すこ(やか)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 健康 | けんこう | health |
| 健全 | けんぜん | sound, wholesome |
| 保健 | ほけん | health preservation, hygiene (school subject) |
| 健やか | すこやか | healthy, vigorous |
Example sentences
毎日歩いて健康を保っています。
まいにちあるいてけんこうをたもっています。
I keep healthy by walking every day.
子供が健やかに育つことを願う。
こどもがすこやかにそだつことをねがう。
I hope the child grows up healthy.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 健康 as けんごう — it is けんこう
- Mixing 保健 (health care) with 保険 (insurance) — both are ほけん
Memory aid
Picture it
亻 added to 建 (to build): a person built solidly, standing straight — that is what being healthy looks like.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 健 mean?