What is the Kanji for 'Bear'? | 熊

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Bear', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Bear' is 熊.

kanji

熊

Meaning

Bear

Reading

kunyomiくま

kuma

onyomiゆう

yuu

Parts

能Ability 灬Fire (火)

Example Word

熊: bear. The Japanese noun '熊 (くま)' refers to the animal 'bear'. It is commonly used to describe the large, furry mammal found in forests and mountains. This word can be used in various contexts, such as talking about wildlife, stories, or even as a metaphor for strength or danger. For example: I saw a bear in the forest「森で熊を見た」(もりでくまをみた). The bear is strong「熊は強い」(くまはつよい). In Japanese folklore, bears often symbolize power and protection, and they appear in many traditional tales and legends.

Radical

火

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1123

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 熊

If you visually break down this kanji, you can see it is made up of 2 parts:

kanji

能

Meaning

Ability

radical

灬

Meaning

Fire

Radical Form Of

火

Words Using 熊

This kanji is used in 1 word:

word

熊

Meaning

Bear

Kanji Related to 熊 Through the Part 能

These 2 kanji contain the part 能 as well.

kanji

態

Meaning

Appearance, Condition

kanji

罷

Meaning

Quit, Dismiss

Kanji Related to 熊 Through the Part 灬

These 10 kanji contain the part 灬 as well.

kanji

点

Meaning

Point

kanji

馬

Meaning

Horse

kanji

魚

Meaning

Fish

kanji

鳥

Meaning

Bird

kanji

黒

Meaning

Black

kanji

熱

Meaning

Heat, Temperature

kanji

黙

Meaning

Silent, Shut up

kanji

庶

Meaning

Commoner, Manifold

kanji

烈

Meaning

Intense, Violent

kanji

煎

Meaning

Roast

Learn the Kanji 熊

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 熊 mean?

熊 means 'Bear'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Senior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N1 exam.

To help you master this kanji, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.