描: the kanji for draw; depict
描 is a JLPT N1 kanji that means draw; depict. Below are its readings, 4 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
描 is written in 11 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
描 has 3 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).
ビョウ (byou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 描写びょうしゃ · byōsha | description; portrayal |
| 素描そびょう · sobyō | sketch; drawing |
えがく (egaku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 描くえがく · egaku | to depict; to picture |
かく (kaku)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 描くかく · kaku | to draw; to paint |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- この小説は人の心をよく描写している。Kono shōsetsu wa hito no kokoro o yoku byōsha shite iru.This novel portrays the human heart well.
- 子どもが家族の絵を描いた。Kodomo ga kazoku no e o kaita.The child drew a picture of the family.
- 将来の夢を心に描く。Shōrai no yume o kokoro ni egaku.I picture my future dream in my mind.
- 美術の授業で素描を練習した。Bijutsu no jugyō de sobyō o renshū shita.We practiced sketching in art class.
- 映画は戦後の日本を描いている。Eiga wa sengo no Nihon o egaite iru.The film depicts postwar Japan.
Questions about 描
How many strokes does 描 have?
描 is written in 11 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 描?
The on readings are byou (ビョウ). The kun readings are egaku (えがく), kaku (かく).
What JLPT level is 描?
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
Study, language and culture
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 描
- 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.