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N1

Kanji 痺: meanings, readings, and example words.

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Kanji 痺: palsy, become numb, paralysed

Key takeaways

Kanji 痺: palsy, become numb, paralysed. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

N1

Meaning

palsybecome numbparalysed

On reading

Kun reading

しび.れる

Radical

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 痺

palsy, become numb, paralysed

Kanji structure breakdown

Structure breakdown

疒 + 卑

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

This character depicts a sickness (疒) where bodily sensation or function becomes 'low' (卑) or degraded. It refers to numbness or paralysis, as seen in the common word 'mabi' (paralysis).

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

  • 麻痺まひ

    paralysis / numbness

Kun reading

しび.れる
  • 痺れるしびれる

    to become numb / to go numb

Commonly used words

  • 麻痺
    まひ

    paralysis / numbness

  • 痺れる
    しびれる

    to become numb / to go numb

Example sentences

Example 1

長時間座って足がしびれた。

Translation

My leg went numb from sitting too long.

Example 2

彼の話に感動して手がしびれた。

Translation

I was so moved by his story that my hands went numb.

Example 3

足の麻で歩けません。

Translation

I can't walk because of numbness in my leg.

Example 4

事故で手の麻が残った。

Translation

Paralysis remained in my hand after the accident.

Kanji 痺: palsy, become numb, paralysed | Daily Nihongo