商: the kanji for commerce; trade
商 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means commerce; trade. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
商 is written in 11 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
商 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ショウ (shou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 商品しょうひん · shōhin | product |
| 商業しょうぎょう · shōgyō | commerce |
| 商売しょうばい · shōbai | business; trade |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- この商品はとても人気があります。Kono shōhin wa totemo ninki ga arimasu.This product is very popular.
- この街は昔から商業が盛んです。Kono machi wa mukashi kara shōgyō ga sakan desu.This town has thrived on commerce since long ago.
- 祖父は小さな商売をしていた。Sofu wa chiisana shōbai o shite ita.My grandfather ran a small business.
- 新しい商品を開発しています。Atarashii shōhin o kaihatsu shite imasu.We are developing a new product.
- 商業地区にはビルが多い。Shōgyō chiku ni wa biru ga ōi.There are many buildings in the commercial district.
Questions about 商
How many strokes does 商 have?
商 is written in 11 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 商?
The on readings are shou (ショウ). The kun readings are akinau (あきなう).
What JLPT level is 商?
N3. 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 N3 falls between the former Levels 2 and 3.
More JLPT N3 kanji
Work and money
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 商
- 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.