What is the Kanji for 'Dig'? | 掘

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Dig' is 掘.

kanji

掘

Meaning

Dig

Reading

kunyomiほ

onyomiくつ

kutsu

Parts

扌Hand (手)屈Crouch, Yield

Example Word

掘る: dig. The Japanese verb '掘る (ほる)' means 'to dig'. It is used to describe the action of removing earth, sand, or other materials from the ground to create a hole or uncover something. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as gardening, construction, or archaeology. For example: He dug a hole in the garden「彼は庭に穴を掘った」(かれはにわにあなをほった). They are digging for treasure「彼らは宝を探して掘っている」(かれらはたからをさがしてほっている). The nuance of '掘る' implies a deliberate and often labor-intensive action, and it is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

Radical

手

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1245

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 掘

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

radical

扌

Meaning

Hand

Radical Form Of

手

kanji

屈

Meaning

Crouch, Yield

Words Using 掘

This kanji is used in 2 words:

word

掘る

Meaning

Dig

word

発掘

Meaning

Excavation

Kanji Related to 掘 Through the Part 扌

These 85 kanji contain the part 扌 as well.

kanji

持

Meaning

Hold

kanji

投

Meaning

Throw

kanji

押

Meaning

Push, Press down

kanji

技

Meaning

Skill

kanji

払

Meaning

Pay, Drive away

kanji

捨

Meaning

Abandon, Discard

kanji

拾

Meaning

Pick up

kanji

損

Meaning

Loss, Damage

kanji

授

Meaning

Instruct, Confer

kanji

打

Meaning

Hit

kanji

指

Meaning

Finger

kanji

接

Meaning

Contact, Touch

kanji

提

Meaning

Present, Submit

kanji

択

Meaning

Choose, Select

kanji

拡

Meaning

Expand, Broaden

kanji

採

Meaning

Gather, Pick

kanji

換

Meaning

Exchange

kanji

振

Meaning

Shake, Swing

kanji

抜

Meaning

Pluck, Extract

kanji

招

Meaning

Invite

kanji

折

Meaning

Bend, Fold

kanji

描

Meaning

Depict, Draw

kanji

抵

Meaning

Resist, Match

kanji

抗

Meaning

Resist, Confront

kanji

拝

Meaning

Worship

kanji

掃

Meaning

Sweep

kanji

揮

Meaning

Wield, Display

kanji

担

Meaning

Bear, Carry

kanji

推

Meaning

Infer

kanji

批

Meaning

Criticize

kanji

捕

Meaning

Catch

kanji

掲

Meaning

Hoist, Display, Hold up

kanji

拠

Meaning

Basis, Based on

kanji

拒

Meaning

Repel, Refuse

kanji

抱

Meaning

Hug, Embrace

kanji

抽

Meaning

Pluck, Extract

kanji

援

Meaning

Assist, Aid

kanji

挑

Meaning

Challenge

kanji

探

Meaning

kanji

捜

Meaning

kanji

摘

Meaning

Pick, Pluck

kanji

排

Meaning

Exclude, Repudiate

kanji

宇

Meaning

Eaves, Universe

kanji

操

Meaning

Handle, Chastity

kanji

携

Meaning

Carry with, Portable

kanji

扱

Meaning

Handle

kanji

撮

Meaning

Snapshot, Photograph

kanji

撤

Meaning

Remove, Withdraw

kanji

据

Meaning

Set, Install

kanji

拘

Meaning

Arrest

kanji

掛

Meaning

Set, Hang

kanji

措

Meaning

Dispose, Set aside

kanji

拍

Meaning

Clap, Beat

kanji

控

Meaning

Refrain, Abstain

kanji

拐

Meaning

Kidnap

kanji

挿

Meaning

Insert

kanji

搬

Meaning

Transport, Carry

kanji

把

Meaning

Grip, Grasp

kanji

握

Meaning

Grasp, Grip

kanji

披

Meaning

Unfold, Expose

kanji

擁

Meaning

Protect, Embrace

kanji

括

Meaning

Bind, Fasten

kanji

拓

Meaning

Reclaim, Cultivation

kanji

抑

Meaning

Restrain, Suppress

kanji

撲

Meaning

Slap, Deal a blow

kanji

擦

Meaning

Rub, Grate

kanji

挟

Meaning

Put between, Between

kanji

搾

Meaning

Squeeze

kanji

拙

Meaning

Clumsy, Unskillful

kanji

抄

Meaning

Extract, Excerpt

kanji

抹

Meaning

Erase, Wipe

kanji

扶

Meaning

Aid, Lend support to

kanji

拷

Meaning

Torture

kanji

揚

Meaning

Hoist, Exalt

kanji

摂

Meaning

Take in, Vicarious

kanji

搭

Meaning

Board

kanji

揺

Meaning

Rock, Shake

kanji

擬

Meaning

Model, Imitate

kanji

捉

Meaning

Catch

kanji

挨

Meaning

Push open

kanji

拉

Meaning

Yank, Abduct

kanji

捻

Meaning

Wrenching

kanji

捗

Meaning

Make progress

kanji

拭

Meaning

Wipe

kanji

挫

Meaning

Sprain

Kanji Related to 掘 Through the Part 屈

These 2 kanji contain the part 屈 as well.

kanji

堀

Meaning

Ditch, Moat

kanji

窟

Meaning

Cavern

Learn the Kanji 掘

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 掘 mean?

掘 means 'Dig'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior Highschool, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N2 exam.

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