What is the Kanji for 'Not'? | 不

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for 'Not', you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for 'Not' is 不.

kanji

不

Meaning

Not

Reading

onyomiふ

ぶ

Example Word

不潔: unclean or filthy. The Japanese adjectival noun '不潔 (ふけつ)' primarily means 'unclean' or 'filthy'. It is used to describe something that is physically dirty, contaminated, or morally impure. This word can be applied to objects, environments, or even behaviors. For example: This place is unclean「この場所は不潔だ」(このばしょはふけつだ). His behavior is filthy「彼の行動は不潔だ」(かれのこうどうはふけつだ). The word can also carry a connotation of disgust or disapproval, making it stronger than simply saying 'dirty'. It is often used in contexts where hygiene or moral cleanliness is being emphasized.

Radical

一

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

Handwriting

不 As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of 2 other kanji:

kanji

杯

Meaning

Cup, Cupfuls

kanji

否

Meaning

Negate

Words Using 不

This kanji is used in 45 words:

word

不

Meaning

Not

word

不便

Meaning

Inconvenient

word

不動産屋

Meaning

Real estate agent

word

不親切

Meaning

Unkind

word

不幸

Meaning

Misfortune, Unhappiness

word

不意

Meaning

Suddenness

word

不味い

Meaning

Awkward, Unappetizing

word

不可欠

Meaning

Essential

word

不要

Meaning

Unnecessary

word

不快

Meaning

Discomfort

word

不況

Meaning

Recession

word

不倫

Meaning

Affair

word

不安

Meaning

Anxiety

word

不満

Meaning

Dissatisfaction

word

不足

Meaning

Lack, Shortage

word

不可能

Meaning

Impossible

word

不十分

Meaning

Insufficient

word

不明

Meaning

Unknown

word

不良

Meaning

Bad, Delinquent

word

不合格

Meaning

Failure

word

不当

Meaning

Unjust

word

不規則

Meaning

Irregular

word

不利

Meaning

Disadvantage

word

不必要

Meaning

Unnecessary

word

不安定

Meaning

Unstable

word

不運

Meaning

Misfortune

word

不自然

Meaning

Unnatural

word

不自由

Meaning

Discomfort

word

不思議

Meaning

Mysterious

word

不平

Meaning

Complaint

word

不平等

Meaning

Inequality

word

不注意

Meaning

Carelessness

word

不確か

Meaning

Uncertain

word

不器用

Meaning

Clumsy

word

不公平

Meaning

Unfair

word

不法

Meaning

Illegal

word

不完全

Meaning

Incomplete

word

不正

Meaning

Wrongdoing

word

不景気

Meaning

Recession

word

不幸せ

Meaning

Unhappy

word

不在

Meaning

Absence

word

不得意

Meaning

Poor

word

不潔

Meaning

Unclean, Filthy

word

不機嫌

Meaning

Displeased

word

不愉快

Meaning

Unpleasant

Learn the Kanji 不

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 不 mean?

不 means 'Not'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Fourth Grade, while non-native learners often study it for the JLPT N4 exam.

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