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道Nihongo Path
酵

酵·ferment, yeast

On-yomi
コウ
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
発酵はっこうfermentation
酵素こうそenzyme
酵母こうぼyeast
酵母菌こうぼきんyeast fungus

Example sentences

  1. 味噌は大豆を発酵させて作る。

    みそはだいずをはっこうさせてつくる。

    Miso is made by fermenting soybeans.

  2. 酵母の働きで生地が膨らむ。

    こうぼのはたらきできじがふくらむ。

    The dough rises through the action of the yeast.

  3. この飲み物には酵素が含まれている。

    こののみものにはこうそがふくまれている。

    This drink contains enzymes.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Reading 発酵 as はつこう — the つ doubles to はっこう
  • 酵 never stands alone as a word

Memory aid

Picture it

The jar 酉 beside 孝 — the vessel in which something quietly matures, generation after generation.

Vocabulary using this kanji

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What does the kanji 酵 mean?