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道Nihongo Path
弔

弔·condolence, mourn

On-yomi
チョウ
Kun-yomi
とむら(う)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
弔問ちょうもんa call of condolence
弔うとむらうto mourn, hold a memorial for
弔辞ちょうじfuneral address, eulogy
弔電ちょうでんtelegram of condolence

Example sentences

  1. 会社から弔電を送った。

    かいしゃからちょうでんをおくった。

    The company sent a telegram of condolence.

  2. 戦死者を弔う式が行われた。

    せんししゃをとむらうしきがおこなわれた。

    A ceremony was held to mourn the war dead.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 弔辞 as とむらいじ — in compounds 弔 is チョウ.
  • Writing 引 or 弓 where 弔 is meant.

Memory aid

Picture it

A bow 弓 with a single stroke driven straight through it — the bow carried to a funeral, no longer for shooting.

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 弔 mean?