とく toku

kanji

得

Meaning

Acquire

Reading

kunyomiう

u

え

e

onyomiとく

toku

Parts

彳Stop 㝵

Example Word

得る: obtain. The Japanese verb '得る (える)' means 'to obtain' or 'to gain'. It is used to express the acquisition of something, whether it be a physical object, knowledge, or an abstract concept. This verb is often used in formal or written contexts. For example: He obtained valuable experience「彼は貴重な経験を得た」(かれはきちょうなけいけんをえた). It is also used in negative forms to indicate something that is difficult or impossible to obtain, as in '得られない (えない)' (cannot obtain). Note that '得る' can sometimes be used in a more abstract sense, such as gaining understanding or insight.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

11

JLPT

N3

Grade

4

Frequency

139

Handwriting

kanji

特

Meaning

Special

Reading

onyomiとく

toku

Parts

寺Temple 牛Cow

Example Word

特に: especially. The Japanese adverb '特に (とくに)' means 'especially' or 'particularly'. It is used to emphasize a specific point or to single out something from a group. This adverb is commonly used in both casual and formal contexts to highlight importance or distinction. For example: I especially like this dish「特にこの料理が好きです」(とくにこのりょうりがすきです). There's nothing particularly wrong「特に悪いところはない」(とくにわるいところはない). It can also be used to indicate that something is not the case, as in '特に問題はない (とくにもんだいはない) (There is no particular problem).'

Radical

牛

Stroke Count

10

JLPT

N4

Grade

4

Frequency

362

Handwriting

kanji

徳

Meaning

Virtue

Reading

onyomiとく

toku

Parts

心Heart 罒Net 十Ten 彳Stop

Example Word

道徳: morality. The Japanese noun '道徳 (どうとく)' refers to 'morality' or 'ethical principles'. It is used to describe the system of values and principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong behavior. This term is often used in discussions about societal norms, personal ethics, and philosophical teachings. For example: Morality is important in society「道徳は社会で重要です」(どうとくはしゃかいでじゅうようです). Teaching morality to children is essential「子供に道徳を教えることは大切です」(こどもにどうとくをおしえることはたいせつです). The word is commonly used in educational and philosophical contexts.

Radical

彳

Stroke Count

14

JLPT

N1

Grade

5

Frequency

513

Handwriting

kanji

督

Meaning

Coach, Supervise

Reading

onyomiとく

toku

Parts

目Eye 叔Uncle, Younger sibling of parent

Example Word

監督: director or supervisor. The Japanese verbal noun '監督 (かんとく)' can mean 'director' or 'supervisor', depending on the context. As 'director', it refers to someone who directs films, plays, or other creative works. For example: He is the director of this movie「彼はこの映画の監督です」(かれはこのえいがのかんとくです). As 'supervisor', it refers to someone who oversees or manages a team, project, or organization. For example: The supervisor checked the work「監督が仕事を確認しました」(かんとくがしごとをかくにんしました). The word is versatile and widely used in both creative and professional settings.

Radical

目

Stroke Count

13

JLPT

N1

Grade

9

Frequency

1360

Handwriting

kanji