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JLPT N17画 · 7 strokesradical 寸freq #1245

longevity, congratulations, one's natural life

On'yomi (音読み)

  • ジュ
  • シュウ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • ことぶき
  • ことぶ.く
  • ことほ.ぐ

Mnemonic

Picture an elder holding a giant tree with the word "寿" engraved, symbolizing his longevity and the congratulations he receives for reaching such a ripe age.

About this kanji

The kanji 寿 means longevity or congratulations and is often associated with celebrations related to life and age. It can function both as a noun and as a part of compound words. For example, 寿命 (じゅみょう) means lifespan, reflecting the duration of a person's life. Another common compound is 長寿 (ちょうじゅ), which refers to long life or longevity, often used in the context of wishing someone a long and healthy life. You'll also see 寿司 (すし), which means sushi, a beloved Japanese dish. When using 寿 in conversation, it often carries a positive, celebratory connotation, making it popular during special occasions.

Example sentences

  • 寿司は日本の伝統的な料理だ。

    Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish.

Meanings across languages

English
longevity, congratulations, one's natural life
Tiếng Việt
trường thọ, chúc mừng
日本語
寿, お祝い
한국어
장수, 축하
中文
寿命, 祝贺
id
umur panjang
th
อายุยืน
es
longevidad
fr
longévité
de
Langlebigkeit
pt
longevidade

Common compounds

  • 寿命じゅみょうlifespan, life, lifetime
  • 長寿ちょうじゅlong life, longevity, long-lived
  • 寿司すしsushi, range of dishes made with vinegared rice combined with fish, vegetables, egg, etc.
  • 恵比寿えびすEbisu, god of fishing and commerce
  • にぎり寿司にぎりずしnigirizushi, hand-pressed vinegared rice topped with seafood
  • 米寿べいじゅ88th birthday
  • 喜寿きじゅ77th birthday
  • 福寿ふくじゅlong life and happiness

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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