応: the kanji for respond; apply

応 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means respond; apply. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.

respond; applyMeaning

オウOn reading

こたえるKun reading

7Strokes

Stroke order

応 is written in 7 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.

Words by reading

応 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).

オウ (ou)

On reading.

Word	Meaning
応援おうえん · ōen	support; cheering
応募おうぼ · ōbo	application; entry
対応たいおう · taiō	response; handling

こたえる (kotaeru)

Kun reading.

Word	Meaning
応えるこたえる · kotaeru	to respond to; to meet (expectations)

Example sentences for work and daily life

コンテストに作品を応募した。Kontesuto ni sakuhin o ōbo shita.I entered my work in the contest.
お客様の質問に丁寧に対応した。Okyakusama no shitsumon ni teinei ni taiō shita.I handled the customer's question politely.
親の期待に応えたい。Oya no kitai ni kotaetai.I want to live up to my parents' expectations.
声援に応えて手を振った。Seien ni kotaete te o futta.He waved in response to the cheers.
一応、確認しておきます。Ichiō, kakunin shite okimasu.I'll check just to be sure.

Questions about 応

How many strokes does 応 have?

応 is written in 7 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.

What are the readings of 応?

The on readings are ou (オウ). The kun readings are kotaeru (こたえる).

What JLPT level is 応?

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.