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JLPT N16画 · 6 strokesradical 木freq #1788

vermilion, cinnabar, scarlet, red

Also: bloody

On'yomi (音読み)

  • シュ

Kun'yomi (訓読み)

  • あけ

Mnemonic

The bright red '朱' (shü) transforms a wooden tree into a vivid scarlet sculpture, capturing nature's fiery spirit in a single stroke.

About this kanji

The kanji 朱 (しゅ) primarily means "vermilion" or "scarlet," representing shades of red. It is commonly used as a noun and appears in various compounds. For example, 朱印 (しゅいん) refers to a "red seal" often used in temples, while 朱欒 (ザボン) is the term for a "pomelo," a citrus fruit. Another interesting compound is 朱顔 (しゅがん), which describes a "flushed face." This kanji conveys strong emotions or important symbols, such as love or danger. When you see 朱, it usually highlights something significant, particularly in formal and artistic contexts.

Example sentences

  • 朱色の花が庭に咲いている。

    Crimson flowers are blooming in the garden.

Meanings across languages

English
vermilion, cinnabar, scarlet, red, bloody
Tiếng Việt
đỏ tươi, đỏ son, đỏ
日本語
朱色, 辰砂, 深紅, 赤, 流血
한국어
주홍색, 사탕석, 진홍색, 붉은, 핏기
中文
朱红, 辰砂, 猩红, 红, 血腥
id
vermilion
th
แดงสด
es
vermilion
fr
vermillon
de
Zinnober
pt
vermélion

Common compounds

  • 朱印しゅいんred seal
  • 朱欒ザボンpomelo (Citrus maxima), shaddock
  • 朱顔しゅがんflushed face
  • 朱書しゅしょwriting in red
  • 朱鞘しゅざやred-lacquered sword sheath
  • 朱色しゅいろvermilion (colour), cinnabar
  • 朱唇しゅしんred lips
  • 朱点しゅてんred mark, red dot

Want to actually learn this kanji?

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