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JLPT N29画 · 9 strokesradical 犭freq #1200

monkey, ape

On'yomi (音読み)

  • エン
  • セン

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • さる

Mnemonic

In the jungle, the dog-like 犬 monkeys swing from branch to branch, showing off their playful antics like the mischievous 猿 of the trees.

About this kanji

The kanji 猿 (さる) means "monkey" or "ape" and is commonly used as a noun. You might encounter it in compounds like 猿人 (えんじん), which means "hominid" and refers to early human-like species. Another compound, 猿轡 (さるぐつわ), means "muzzle" specifically designed for a monkey, while 猿回し (さるまわし) refers to a "monkey trainer," someone who trains monkeys for performances. This kanji is often associated with playful or mischievous traits, mirroring how monkeys are perceived in culture. When using this kanji, keep in mind that it often reflects both the animal's physical characteristics and its behavior.

Built from

Example sentences

  • その猿は木から降りてきた。

    The monkey came down from the tree.

Meanings across languages

English
monkey, ape
Tiếng Việt
khỉ
日本語
猿(さる)
한국어
원숭이
中文
id
monyet
th
ลิง
es
mono
fr
singe
de
Affe
pt
macaco

Common compounds

  • 猿人えんじんhominid, early human
  • 猿轡さるぐつわmuzzle (for a monkey)
  • 猿回しさるまわしmonkey trainer, monkey show

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