硬
硬·hard, stiff, rigid
- On-yomi
- コウ
- Kun-yomi
- かた(い)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 硬い | かたい | hard, stiff |
| 硬貨 | こうか | coin |
| 硬直 | こうちょく | rigidity, stiffening |
| 強硬 | きょうこう | firm, unyielding (stance) |
Example sentences
このパンは硬くて食べにくい。
このパンはかたくてたべにくい。
This bread is hard and difficult to eat.
自動販売機は硬貨しか使えない。
じどうはんばいきはこうかしかつかえない。
The vending machine only takes coins.
彼の表情は硬いままだった。
かれのひょうじょうはかたいままだった。
His expression stayed stiff.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Writing 固い for hard bread or a stiff shoulder — that is 硬い
- Reading 硬貨 as かたか — it is こうか
Memory aid
Picture it
A stone (石) that is hard even as it ages (更, to change/again) — it never softens.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 硬 mean?