爽
爽·refreshing, bracing, crisp
- On-yomi
- ソウ
- Kun-yomi
- さわ(やか)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 爽やか | さわやか | fresh, refreshing, crisp |
| 爽快 | そうかい | exhilarating, refreshing |
| 爽快感 | そうかいかん | feeling of refreshment |
| 颯爽 | さっそう | dashing, brisk and gallant (颯爽と歩く) |
Example sentences
朝の空気が爽やかだ。
あさのくうきがさわやかだ。
The morning air is fresh.
汗を流した後は爽快な気分になる。
あせをながしたあとはそうかいなきぶんになる。
After a good sweat you feel wonderfully refreshed.
彼は颯爽と会場に入ってきた。
かれはさっそうとかいじょうにはいってきた。
He strode briskly into the hall.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 爽やか as そうやか — it is さわやか
- Using 爽やか for taste alone — it describes air, a breeze, a manner or a personality more than flavour
Memory aid
Picture it
A person 大 with arms spread, and four openings in the sides like slatted shutters: the breeze blows straight through — refreshing.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 爽 mean?