動
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
うご-く、うご-かす
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
ドウ
Meaning
Move, motion
Stroke Count
11 strokes
Examples
動く
Related Vocabulary
📝 How to Remember
At 11 strokes, 「動」requires deliberate practice. Identify the radical (root part) first, then learn the remaining strokes as a unit.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — On-yomi vs Kun-yomi
「動」has both On-yomi (ドウ) and Kun-yomi (うご-く、うご-かす). On-yomi is typically used in compound words (two kanji together), while Kun-yomi appears when the kanji stands alone or with hiragana.
🎯 JLPT N5 — How It's Tested
もんだい1 (Kanji Reading) & もんだい2 (Kanji Writing)
「動」typically appears in もんだい1, where you choose the correct reading, and もんだい2, where you choose the correct kanji for a hiragana word. Make sure you can recognize it both ways.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read the kanji 「動」?+
On-yomi: ドウ. Kun-yomi: うご-く、うご-かす.
What does 「動」mean in Japanese?+
「動」means "Move, motion". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「動」have?+
「動」is written with 11 strokes.
Is 「動」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「動」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Can you give an example sentence using 「動」?+
Yes: 動く. Practicing kanji in context is one of the most effective ways to remember them.
Practice 「動」 with AI