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N2

Kanji 賢: meanings, readings, and example words.

2 min read

Kanji 賢: intelligent, wise, wisdom, cleverness

Key takeaways

Kanji 賢: intelligent, wise, wisdom, cleverness. Readings and core meaning.

See vocabulary and examples below.

Kanji at a glance

N2

Meaning

intelligentwisewisdomcleverness

On reading

ケン

Kun reading

かしこ.い

Radical

Core meaning / core image

Core meaning: 賢

intelligent, wise, wisdom, cleverness

Kanji structure breakdown

Structure breakdown

臣 + 又 + 貝

Mnemonic story

Mnemonic story

Imagine a retainer (臣) using their hands (又) to manage wealth (貝) wisely. A subject who handles the kingdom's finances with great skill and care is truly wise and intelligent.

On'yomi and kun'yomi

On reading

ケン
  • 賢明けんめい

    wisdom / prudence / intelligence

Kun reading

かしこ.い
  • 賢いかしこい

    wise / clever / smart

Commonly used words

  • 賢明
    けんめい

    wisdom / prudence / intelligence

  • 賢い
    かしこい

    wise / clever / smart

Example sentences

Example 1

明な判断が必要です。

Translation

A wise decision is necessary.

Example 2

明に行動してください。

Translation

Please act wisely.

Example 3

かしこい子どもはよく学びます。

Translation

A clever child studies well.

Example 4

かしこい人はじぶんの意見をはっきり言います。

Translation

A wise person clearly expresses their opinion.

Kanji 賢: intelligent, wise, wisdom, cleverness | Daily Nihongo