硬: the kanji for hard; stiff
硬 is a JLPT N2 kanji that means hard; stiff. Below are its readings, 3 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
硬 is written in 12 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
硬 has 2 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 3 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
コウ (kou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 硬貨こうか · kōka | coin |
| 強硬きょうこう · kyōkō | firm; unyielding |
かたい (katai)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 硬いかたい · katai | hard; stiff |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 自動販売機に硬貨を入れた。Jidō hanbaiki ni kōka o ireta.I put coins into the vending machine.
- このパンは硬くて食べにくい。Kono pan wa katakute tabenikui.This bread is hard and difficult to eat.
- 緊張して表情が硬くなった。Kinchō shite hyōjō ga kataku natta.I was nervous and my face went stiff.
- 相手は強硬な態度をとった。Aite wa kyōkō na taido o totta.The other side took a firm stance.
- ダイヤモンドはとても硬い石だ。Daiyamondo wa totemo katai ishi da.Diamond is a very hard stone.
Questions about 硬
How many strokes does 硬 have?
硬 is written in 12 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 硬?
The on readings are kou (コウ). The kun readings are katai (かたい).
What JLPT level is 硬?
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
Qualities and conditions
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 硬
- 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.