弓: the kanji for bow

弓 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means bow. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.

bowMeaning

キュウOn reading

ゆみKun reading

3Strokes

Stroke order

弓 is written in 3 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.

Words by reading

弓 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).

キュウ (kyuu)

On reading.

Word	Meaning
弓道きゅうどう · kyūdō	Japanese archery
洋弓ようきゅう · yōkyū	Western archery

ゆみ (yumi)

Kun reading.

Word	Meaning
弓ゆみ · yumi	bow
弓矢ゆみや · yumiya	bow and arrow

Example sentences for work and daily life

高校で弓道部に入った。Kōkō de kyūdōbu ni haitta.I joined the archery club in high school.
…
弓を引いて的をねらった。Yumi o hiite mato o neratta.I drew the bow and aimed at the target.
昔の武士は弓矢で戦った。Mukashi no bushi wa yumiya de tatakatta.Samurai long ago fought with bows and arrows.
バイオリンの弓を新しくした。Baiorin no yumi o atarashiku shita.I got a new violin bow.
月が弓のような形をしている。Tsuki ga yumi no yō na katachi o shite iru.The moon is shaped like a bow.

Questions about 弓

How many strokes does 弓 have?

弓 is written in 3 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.

What are the readings of 弓?

The on readings are kyuu (キュウ). The kun readings are yumi (ゆみ).

What JLPT level is 弓?

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.