Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

What is the Kanji for 'Lead'? | 鉛

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Lead' is 鉛.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lead

    Reading

    kunyomiなまり

    namari

    onyomiえん

    en

    Parts

    Gold (金)

    Example Word

    鉛筆: pencil. The Japanese noun '鉛筆 (えんぴつ)' means 'pencil'. It refers to a common writing instrument made of a thin cylindrical graphite core encased in wood. This word is widely used in everyday contexts, such as in schools, offices, or at home. For example: I bought a new pencil「新しい鉛筆を買いました」(あたらしいえんぴつをかいました). Please lend me a pencil「鉛筆を貸してください」(えんぴつをかしてください). The word is straightforward and does not carry additional nuanced meanings, making it easy to use in various situations.

    Radical

    Stroke Count

    13

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    7

    Frequency

    1704

    Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji

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

    radical

    Meaning

    Gold

    Radical Form Of

    component

Words Using

This kanji is used in 1 word:

    word

    鉛筆

    Meaning

    Pencil

Kanji Related to Through the Part

These 22 kanji contain the part 釒 as well.

    kanji

    Meaning

    Silver

    kanji

    Meaning

    Needle

    kanji

    Meaning

    Ore, Mineral

    kanji

    Meaning

    Mirror

    kanji

    Meaning

    Copper

    kanji

    Meaning

    Fish, Fishing

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sharp

    kanji

    Meaning

    Steel

    kanji

    Meaning

    Chain

    kanji

    Meaning

    Confused, Mixed up

    kanji

    Meaning

    Gun

    kanji

    Meaning

    Forge, Train

    kanji

    Meaning

    Lock, Tablet

    kanji

    Meaning

    Consider, Model

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bell

    kanji

    Meaning

    Bowl

    kanji

    Meaning

    Cast, Casting

    kanji

    Meaning

    Money, Coin

    kanji

    Meaning

    Brocade

    kanji

    Meaning

    Sickle, Scythe

    kanji

    Meaning

    To tie, Confinement

    kanji

    Meaning

    Key

Learn the Kanji

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 鉛 mean?

鉛 means 'Lead'.

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.