弁
弁·speech, speak for, valve, dialect
- On-yomi
- ベン
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 弁当 | べんとう | boxed lunch |
| 弁護士 | べんごし | lawyer |
| 関西弁 | かんさいべん | Kansai dialect |
| 弁明 | べんめい | explanation, justification |
Example sentences
昼ごはんに弁当を持ってきました。
ひるごはんにべんとうをもってきました。
I brought a boxed lunch for lunch.
その問題は弁護士に相談したほうがいい。
そのもんだいはべんごしにそうだんしたほうがいい。
You should consult a lawyer about that problem.
彼女は関西弁で話すので、すぐわかる。
かのじょはかんさいべんではなすので、すぐわかる。
She speaks in Kansai dialect, so you can tell right away.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
- 弁并Compare with 升 (measure) and 弃: 弁 has the two-stroke 廾 base under a 厶-like top.
Common mistakes
- Expecting 弁当 to relate to 'speech' — 弁 merged several old characters, which is why its meanings look unconnected
- Reading 弁護士 as *べんごうし; it is べんごし
Memory aid
Picture it
Two hands (廾) held up beneath a cap — a speaker standing up with hands raised to make their case.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 答弁とうべんreply, answer (in the Diet)
- 弁証法べんしょうほうdialectic
- 弁護べんごdefense; pleading; advocacy; speaking up for someone
- 勘弁かんべんpardon; forgiveness; letting someone off; sparing someone something
- 弁論べんろんpublic speaking; oral argument; debate
- 代弁だいべんspeaking for another; acting as spokesperson; paying by proxy
- 弁償べんしょうcompensation (for damage or loss); reimbursement; making good
- 弁解べんかいexcuse; explanation offered in one's defence; justification
- お弁当おべんとうboxed lunch
- 弁護士べんごしlawyer
- 弁当べんとうboxed lunch
- 弁護するべんごするto defend (legally)
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 弁 mean?