What is the Kanji for 'Ferment' and 'Fermentation'? | 酵

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Ferment' and 'Fermentation' is 酵.

kanji

酵

Meaning

Ferment, Fermentation

Reading

onyomiこう

kou

Parts

酉Bird of the zodiac 孝Filial piety

Example Word

酵素: enzyme. The Japanese noun '酵素 (こうそ)' refers to 'enzyme', which is a protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions. Enzymes are essential for various biological processes, such as digestion and metabolism. For example: enzymes help break down food「酵素は食べ物を分解するのを助けます」(こうそはたべものをぶんかいするのをたすけます). This product contains digestive enzymes「この製品には消化酵素が含まれています」(このせいひんにはしょうかこうそがふくまれています). The term is commonly used in scientific, medical, and everyday contexts related to health and biology.

Radical

酉

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

2102

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 酵

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

radical

酉

Meaning

Bird of the zodiac

kanji

孝

Meaning

Filial piety

Words Using 酵

This kanji is used in 1 word:

word

酵素

Meaning

Enzyme

Kanji Related to 酵 Through the Part 酉

These 13 kanji contain the part 酉 as well.

kanji

酒

Meaning

Alcohol, Sake

kanji

配

Meaning

Distribute

kanji

酔

Meaning

Drunk

kanji

酸

Meaning

Bitter, Acid

kanji

醜

Meaning

Ugly

kanji

酢

Meaning

Vinegar

kanji

酷

Meaning

Cruel, Severe

kanji

醸

Meaning

Brew

kanji

酌

Meaning

Pour wine, Bartending

kanji

酪

Meaning

Dairy produce, Dairy

kanji

酬

Meaning

Reward, Repay

kanji

酎

Meaning

Sake

kanji

醒

Meaning

Awakening

Learn the Kanji 酵

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 酵 mean?

酵 means 'Ferment' and 'Fermentation'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Junior 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.