素
素·element, plain
- On-yomi
- ソス
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 素材 | そざい | material |
| 素直 | すなお | obedient, honest, straightforward |
| 要素 | ようそ | element, factor |
| 素足 | すあし | bare feet |
Example sentences
これは自然の素材で作った家具です。
これはしぜんのそざいでつくったかぐです。
This is furniture made from natural materials.
彼は素直に謝った。
かれはすなおにあやまった。
He apologized honestly and without fuss.
成功には三つの要素が必要だ。
せいこうにはみっつのようそがひつようだ。
Success needs three elements.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Mixing the readings: ソ in 素材/要素, but ス in 素直/素足
- Reading 素直 as そちょく — it is すなお
Memory aid
Picture it
The thread radical 糸 at the base — plain, undyed thread: the raw element before anything has been added to it.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 素 mean?