兼: the kanji for combine; concurrently
兼 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means combine; concurrently. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
兼 is written in 10 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
兼 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 4 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ケン (ken)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 兼用けんよう · ken'yō | dual use |
| 兼任けんにん · kennin | holding concurrent posts |
| 兼業けんぎょう · kengyō | side business |
かねる (kaneru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 兼ねるかねる · kaneru | to combine; to serve as both |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- この部屋は書斎と客間を兼ねている。Kono heya wa shosai to kyakuma o kanete iru.This room serves as both a study and a guest room.
- 男女兼用の傘を買った。Danjo ken'yō no kasa o katta.I bought a unisex umbrella.
- 彼は部長と課長を兼任している。Kare wa buchō to kachō o kennin shite iru.He serves as both department head and section chief.
- 散歩を兼ねて買い物に行った。Sanpo o kanete kaimono ni itta.I went shopping, combining it with a walk.
- 彼は才能と努力を兼ね備えている。Kare wa sainō to doryoku o kanesonaete iru.He has both talent and diligence.
Questions about 兼
How many strokes does 兼 have?
兼 is written in 10 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 兼?
The on readings are ken (ケン). The kun readings are kaneru (かねる).
What JLPT level is 兼?
N1. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N1 is designed to match the former Level 1.
More JLPT N1 kanji
Qualities and conditions
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 兼
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.