繭
繭·cocoon
- On-yomi
- ケン
- Kun-yomi
- まゆ
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 繭 | まゆ | cocoon |
| 繭玉 | まゆだま | cocoon-shaped New Year decoration |
| 繭糸 | けんし | cocoon silk fibre |
| 繭価 | けんか | price of cocoons |
Example sentences
蚕が繭を作り始めた。
かいこがまゆをつくりはじめた。
The silkworms have started spinning their cocoons.
繭から絹の糸が取れる。
まゆからきぬのいとがとれる。
Silk thread is obtained from cocoons.
彼は自分の世界に繭のように閉じこもっていた。
かれはじぶんのせかいにまゆのようにとじこもっていた。
He was shut inside his own world as though in a cocoon.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Writing 眉 (eyebrow) when 繭 (cocoon) is meant — both are まゆ
- The on-reading ケン appears only in technical words like 繭糸
Memory aid
Picture it
A grass lid on top, with thread 糸 and an insect 虫 packed underneath — the silkworm sealed inside its own thread.
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 繭 mean?