Skip to content
道Nihongo Path
渇

渇·thirst

On-yomi
カツ
Kun-yomi
かわ(く)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
渇きかわきthirst
枯渇こかつdepletion, running dry
渇くかわくto be thirsty
渇望かつぼうcraving, longing

Example sentences

  1. 喉が渇いたので水を飲んだ。

    のどがかわいたのでみずをのんだ。

    I was thirsty so I drank some water.

  2. このままでは資源が枯渇する恐れがある。

    このままではしげんがこかつするおそれがある。

    At this rate there is a risk the resources will run out.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Using 乾く for thirst — the throat takes 渇く
  • Reading 枯渇 as こかち — it is こかつ

Memory aid

Picture it

氵 (water) with 曷, a cry for something: water called for and not there — the throat crying out.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5

What does the kanji 渇 mean?