波: the kanji for wave
波 is a JLPT N2 kanji that means wave. Below are its readings, 6 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
波 is written in 8 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
波 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 5 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
ハ (ha)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 電波でんぱ · denpa | radio waves; signal |
| 寒波かんぱ · kanpa | cold wave |
| 波長はちょう · hachō | wavelength |
なみ (nami)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 波なみ · nami | wave |
| 津波つなみ · tsunami | tsunami |
Special readings to learn as whole words
These words use 波, 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 |
|---|---|
| 波止場はとば · hatoba | wharf; pier |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 今日は波が高いので海で泳がないでください。Kyō wa nami ga takai node umi de oyoganaide kudasai.The waves are high today, so please do not swim in the sea.
- ここは電波が弱くてつながりにくい。Koko wa denpa ga yowakute tsunagarinikui.The signal is weak here, so it is hard to connect.
- 地震のあとは津波に注意してください。Jishin no ato wa tsunami ni chūi shite kudasai.After an earthquake, watch out for tsunamis.
- 強い寒波で大雪になった。Tsuyoi kanpa de ōyuki ni natta.A strong cold wave brought heavy snow.
- 彼とは波長が合う。Kare to wa hachō ga au.He and I are on the same wavelength.
Questions about 波
How many strokes does 波 have?
波 is written in 8 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 波?
The on readings are ha (ハ). The kun readings are nami (なみ).
What JLPT level is 波?
N2. 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 N2 is designed to match the former Level 2.
More JLPT N2 kanji
Nature, weather and animals
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 波
- 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.