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道Nihongo Path
練

練·practice, train, knead

On-yomi
レン
Kun-yomi
ね(る)

By Nihongo PathUpdated

Stroke order

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

Common words

WordReadingMeaning
練習れんしゅうpractice
訓練くんれんtraining, drill
練るねるto knead, to work out (a plan)
洗練せんれんrefinement, polish

Example sentences

  1. 毎日ピアノの練習をしています。

    まいにちピアノのれんしゅうをしています。

    I practise the piano every day.

  2. 明日、火事の避難訓練があります。

    あした、かじのひなんくんれんがあります。

    There is a fire evacuation drill tomorrow.

  3. もう少し計画を練ったほうがいい。

    もうすこしけいかくをねったほうがいい。

    You'd better work on the plan a bit more.

Similar-looking kanji

Do not confuse these on the exam.

Common mistakes

  • Writing 練習 with 錬 instead of 練
  • Reading 訓練 as くんねん instead of くんれん

Memory aid

Picture it

Thread (糸) worked over and over until it is soft — practice is kneading a skill until it gives.

Vocabulary using this kanji

Quick check

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What does the kanji 練 mean?