息: the kanji for breath
息 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means breath. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
息 is written in 10 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
息 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 2 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ソク (soku)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 休息きゅうそく · kyūsoku | rest |
いき (iki)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 息いき · iki | breath |
Special readings to learn as whole words
These words use 息, but their readings do not follow the readings above. The Jōyō Kanji Table lists them as special readings. Learn each one as a whole word.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 息子むすこ · musuko | son |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 長時間働いたので休息が必要です。Chōjikan hataraita node kyūsoku ga hitsuyō desu.I worked for a long time, so I need rest.
- 深く息を吸って落ち着いた。Fukaku iki o sutte ochitsuita.I took a deep breath and calmed down.
- 息子は今年、大学に入学した。Musuko wa kotoshi, daigaku ni nyūgaku shita.My son entered university this year.
- 走った後、息が切れた。Hashitta ato, iki ga kireta.After running, I was out of breath.
- 休息を取ってから作業を再開した。Kyūsoku o totte kara sagyō o saikai shita.I took a rest and then resumed working.
Questions about 息
How many strokes does 息 have?
息 is written in 10 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 息?
The on readings are soku (ソク). The kun readings are iki (いき).
What JLPT level is 息?
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
Body and health
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 息
- 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.