貝
貝·shellfish, shell
- On-yomi
- バイ
- Kun-yomi
- かい
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 貝 | かい | shellfish, shell |
| 貝殻 | かいがら | seashell |
| 二枚貝 | にまいがい | bivalve |
| 貝柱 | かいばしら | adductor muscle, scallop |
Example sentences
海で貝を拾いました。
うみでかいをひろいました。
I picked up shells at the sea.
子どもがきれいな貝殻を集めている。
こどもがきれいなかいがらをあつめている。
The children are collecting pretty seashells.
この店は貝の料理がおいしい。
このみせはかいのりょうりがおいしい。
The shellfish dishes at this restaurant are delicious.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 貝殻 as かいから instead of かいがら
- Forgetting that 貝 as a radical means money in 買, 財 and 貯 — shells were once currency
Memory aid
Picture it
A shell with two small legs dangling — the creature peeking out of its two-part case.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
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What does the kanji 貝 mean?