拳: the kanji for fist
拳 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means fist. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
拳 is written in 10 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
拳 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).
ケン (ken)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 拳法けんぽう · kenpō | Chinese martial art |
| 太極拳たいきょくけん · taikyokuken | tai chi |
| 拳銃けんじゅう · kenjū | pistol |
こぶし (kobushi)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 拳こぶし · kobushi | fist |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 彼は拳を強く握った。Kare wa kobushi o tsuyoku nigitta.He clenched his fist tightly.
- 中国の拳法を習っている。Chūgoku no kenpō o naratte iru.I am learning a Chinese martial art.
- 選手は拳を突き上げて喜んだ。Senshu wa kobushi o tsukiagete yorokonda.The player raised his fist in joy.
- 警察官は拳銃を持っている。Keisatsukan wa kenjū o motte iru.Police officers carry pistols.
- 太極拳は健康にいい。Taikyokuken wa kenkō ni ii.Tai chi is good for your health.
Questions about 拳
How many strokes does 拳 have?
拳 is written in 10 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 拳?
The on readings are ken (ケン). The kun readings are kobushi (こぶし).
What JLPT level is 拳?
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.
More JLPT N1 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 拳
- 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.