欲: the kanji for desire
欲 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means desire. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
欲 is written in 11 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
欲 has 3 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).
ヨク (yoku)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 欲望よくぼう · yokubō | desire |
| 食欲しょくよく · shokuyoku | appetite |
ほしい (hoshii)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 欲しいほしい · hoshii | wanted; to want |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 彼は物への欲望が強い。Kare wa mono e no yokubō ga tsuyoi.He has a strong desire for things.
- 最近、食欲がありません。Saikin, shokuyoku ga arimasen.I haven't had much appetite lately.
- 新しいパソコンが欲しいです。Atarashii pasokon ga hoshii desu.I want a new computer.
- 暑い日は食欲が落ちる。Atsui hi wa shokuyoku ga ochiru.On hot days, appetite decreases.
- もう少し自由な時間が欲しい。Mō sukoshi jiyū na jikan ga hoshii.I want a little more free time.
Questions about 欲
How many strokes does 欲 have?
欲 is written in 11 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 欲?
The on readings are yoku (ヨク). The kun readings are hossuru (ほっする), hoshii (ほしい).
What JLPT level is 欲?
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
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 欲
- 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.