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道Nihongo Path
褒

褒·praise, extol

On-yomi
ホウ
Kun-yomi
ほ(める)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
褒めるほめるto praise
褒美ほうびreward
ご褒美ごほうびa treat; a reward
褒賞ほうしょうprize; commendation

Example sentences

  1. 先生が作文を褒めてくれた。

    せんせいがさくぶんをほめてくれた。

    My teacher praised my essay.

  2. 頑張ったご褒美にケーキを買った。

    がんばったごほうびにケーキをかった。

    I bought a cake as a reward for working hard.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • 褒める is ほめる — the older spelling 誉める is now non-standard
  • ご褒美 is ごほうび, not ごほうみ

Memory aid

Picture it

The clothing element 衣 wrapped around 保: praise laid over someone like a robe of honour.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 褒 mean?