肩
肩·shoulder
- On-yomi
- ケン
- Kun-yomi
- かた
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 肩 | かた | shoulder |
| 肩こり | かたこり | stiff shoulders |
| 肩書き | かたがき | job title |
| 両肩 | りょうかた | both shoulders |
Example sentences
肩が痛くて腕が上がらない。
かたがいたくてうでがあがらない。
My shoulder hurts and I can't raise my arm.
パソコンの仕事で肩こりがひどい。
ぱそこんのしごとでかたこりがひどい。
My shoulders are terribly stiff from computer work.
名刺の肩書きが変わりました。
めいしのかたがきがかわりました。
The job title on my business card has changed.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 肩書き as *けんしょ
- Expecting the ケン reading in ordinary words — everyday vocabulary uses かた
Memory aid
Picture it
A door (戸) above flesh (月) — the joint that swings the arm like a door on its hinge.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 3 of 5
What does the kanji 肩 mean?