淑
淑·graceful, ladylike
- On-yomi
- シュク
- Kun-yomi
- しと(やか)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 淑女 | しゅくじょ | lady |
| 貞淑 | ていしゅく | chaste and virtuous |
| 淑やか | しとやか | graceful, demure |
| 私淑 | ししゅく | looking up to someone as a teacher from afar |
Example sentences
紳士淑女の皆様、ようこそ。
しんししゅくじょのみなさま、ようこそ。
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome.
彼女は淑やかに一礼した。
かのじょはしとやかにいちれいした。
She bowed gracefully.
若い頃、その作家に私淑していた。
わかいころ、そのさっかにししゅくしていた。
When I was young I regarded that writer as my teacher from a distance.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 淑やか as しゅくやか — it is the irregular しとやか
- 淑女 (しゅくじょ) is a set phrase with 紳士; it is not everyday vocabulary
Memory aid
Picture it
Water 氵 beside 叔: still, clear water — the image of a calm, well-mannered woman.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 淑 mean?