What is the Kanji for 'Orphan' and 'Solitary'? | 孤

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Orphan' and 'Solitary' is 孤.

kanji

孤

Meaning

Orphan, Solitary

Reading

onyomiこ

Parts

子Child 瓜

Example Word

孤独: loneliness. The Japanese adjectival noun '孤独 (こどく)' means 'loneliness'. It describes the state of being alone, isolated, or feeling disconnected from others. This word often carries an emotional weight, emphasizing the sadness or emptiness associated with being alone. For example: he felt deep loneliness「彼は深い孤独を感じた」(かれはふかいこどくをかんじた). Loneliness is a common theme in literature「孤独は文学のよくあるテーマだ」(こどくはぶんがくのよくあるテーマだ). It can also be used to describe a physical state of being alone, but it is more commonly associated with emotional isolation.

Radical

子

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1318

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 孤

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

kanji

子

Meaning

Child

component

瓜

Words Using 孤

This kanji is used in 1 word:

word

孤独

Meaning

Loneliness

Kanji Related to 孤 Through the Part 子

These 10 kanji contain the part 子 as well.

kanji

字

Meaning

Character

kanji

学

Meaning

Learn

kanji

好

Meaning

Like, Fond

kanji

存

Meaning

Exist, Suppose

kanji

孫

Meaning

Grandchildren

kanji

季

Meaning

Season

kanji

厚

Meaning

Thick, Kind

kanji

孝

Meaning

Filial piety

kanji

享

Meaning

Receive

kanji

孔

Meaning

Hole, Cavity

Learn the Kanji 孤

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 孤 mean?

孤 means 'Orphan' and 'Solitary'.

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.