由: the kanji for reason; cause
由 is a JLPT N3 kanji that means reason; cause. Below are its readings, 2 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
由 is written in 5 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
由 has 4 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).
ユ (yu)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 自由じゆう · jiyū | freedom |
ユウ (yuu)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 理由りゆう · riyū | reason |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 日本では表現の自由がある。Nihon de wa hyōgen no jiyū ga aru.In Japan, there is freedom of expression.
- 遅刻した理由を説明した。Chikoku shita riyū o setsumei shita.I explained the reason for being late.
- 自由な時間があまりありません。Jiyū na jikan ga amari arimasen.I don't have much free time.
- 彼が休んだ理由が分からない。Kare ga yasunda riyū ga wakaranai.I don't know the reason he was absent.
- 自由に意見を言ってください。Jiyū ni iken o itte kudasai.Please feel free to give your opinion.
Questions about 由
How many strokes does 由 have?
由 is written in 5 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 由?
The on readings are yu (ユ), yuu (ユウ), yui (ユイ). The kun readings are yoshi (よし).
What JLPT level is 由?
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
Study and communication
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 由
- 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.