放
放·release, let go, set free
- On-yomi
- ホウ
- Kun-yomi
- はなすはなつはなれる
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 放送 | ほうそう | broadcast |
| 放す | はなす | to let go of, to release |
| 開放 | かいほう | opening up, throwing open |
| 放っておく | ほうっておく | to leave alone, to let be |
Example sentences
試合はテレビで放送されます。
しあいはてれびでほうそうされます。
The match will be broadcast on television.
つかまえた魚は川に放しました。
つかまえたさかなはかわにはなしました。
I released the fish I caught back into the river.
そんなことは放っておいてください。
そんなことはほうっておいてください。
Please just leave that alone.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Confusing 放す (to let go) with the identically pronounced 話す (to speak)
- Reading 開放 as かいほお; also do not confuse it with 解放 (liberation)
Memory aid
Picture it
A direction (方) plus a hand striking (攵) — you give something a shove and let it go its own way.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 生放送なまほうそうlive broadcast
- 開放するかいほうするto open to the public
- 放すはなすto release, let go
- 放送ほうそうbroadcast
- 放映ほうえいtelevising, broadcasting (on TV)
- 放火ほうかarson
- 釈放するしゃくほうするto release (from custody)
- 放棄するほうきするto abandon, to give up (a right)
- 開放かいほうopening (to the public)
- 解放かいほうrelease, liberation, setting free, emancipation
- 放るほうるto toss, to throw; to leave alone, to neglect
- 放れるはなれるto break free, to get loose (from a leash, hand or string)
Quick check
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What does the kanji 放 mean?