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道Nihongo Path
篤

篤·fervent, kind, cordial

On-yomi
トク
Kun-yomi
あつ(い)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
危篤きとくcritical condition; at death's door
重篤じゅうとくserious (of an illness or symptom)
篤志家とくしかbenefactor; charitable person
篤実とくじつsincere and warm-hearted

Example sentences

  1. 祖父が危篤だと連絡があった。

    そふがきとくだとれんらくがあった。

    We got word that my grandfather is critically ill.

  2. 重篤な症状の患者が運ばれてきた。

    じゅうとくなしょうじょうのかんじゃがはこばれてきた。

    A patient with serious symptoms was brought in.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • 危篤 means the person may die at any moment — far stronger than 重病
  • 篤い (sincere, devoted) is not 厚い (thick) or 熱い (hot)

Memory aid

Picture it

Bamboo 竹 over horse 馬: a plodding packhorse that never lets you down — steady and sincere.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 篤 mean?