If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for
"Pull", you've come to the right place!
The Japanese Kanji for
"Pull"
is "引".
This kanji has 2 readings:
Its kunyomi reading is "Hi".
Its onyomi reading is "In".
kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.
If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:
The kanji "弓" means "Bow"
and can be read as "Kyuu" and "Yumi". And The radical "丨" means "Stick"
.
Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.
What does the kanji "引" mean in japanese?
"引" means
"Pull"
.
Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Second Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N3 exam.
Here are some words that use this kanji:
引く: "Pull" or "Catch". The Japanese verb '引く (ひく)' has multiple meanings depending on the context. The primary meaning is 'to pull,' which refers to the action of drawing something towards oneself or in a particular direction. For example: He pulled the door open「彼はドアを引いて開けた」(かれはドアをひいてあけた). Another common meaning is 'to catch' (as in catching a cold or illness). For example: I caught a cold「風邪を引いた」(かぜをひいた). The verb can also be used in various idiomatic expressions, such as 'to subtract' (引き算, ひきざん) or 'to consult a dictionary' (辞書を引く, じしょをひく). The specific meaning is often determined by the context in which the verb is used. 取り引き: "Deal". The Japanese noun '取り引き (とりひき)' refers to a 'deal' or 'transaction'. It is commonly used in business contexts to describe agreements, exchanges, or negotiations between parties. For example: We made a deal with the company「その会社と取り引きをした」(そのかいしゃととりひきをした). The transaction was completed smoothly「取り引きはスムーズに終わった」(とりひきはすむーずにおわった). This word can also imply a sense of mutual benefit or cooperation in the context of business relationships. 引き出し: "Drawer". The Japanese noun '引き出し (ひきだし)' primarily means 'drawer', referring to a sliding container in furniture like desks or cabinets. It can also metaphorically describe a person's range of knowledge or ideas, akin to 'drawing from one's experiences'. Example sentences: Please put the documents in the drawer「書類を引き出しに入れてください」(しょるいをひきだしにいれてください). He has a wide range of ideas in his mental drawer「彼は頭の中に広い引き出しを持っている」(かれはあたまのなかにひろいひきだしをもっている). 引き算: "Subtraction". The Japanese verbal noun '引き算 (ひきざん)' refers to the mathematical operation of subtraction. It is commonly used in educational contexts, such as in math classes or when explaining basic arithmetic. For example: I am practicing subtraction「引き算を練習しています」(ひきざんをれんしゅうしています). Subtraction is easier than addition「引き算は足し算より簡単です」(ひきざんはたしざんよりかんたんです). This term is often used alongside other arithmetic operations like '足し算 (たしざん) (addition)' and '掛け算 (かけざん) (multiplication)'. 引っ越す: "Move". The Japanese verb '引っ越す (ひっこす)' means 'to move' in the sense of relocating from one residence to another. This verb is commonly used when someone changes their place of living, such as moving to a new house or apartment. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object or context to indicate what is being moved. For example: I will move next month「来月引っ越します」(らいげつひっこします). They moved to Tokyo「彼らは東京に引っ越した」(かれらはとうきょうにひっこした). The verb can also imply the process of packing and transporting belongings, as well as settling into a new location. 引っ越し: "Moving". The Japanese verbal noun '引っ越し (ひっこし)' refers to the act of moving or relocating from one place to another, typically involving changing residences. It is commonly used when someone is moving to a new house or apartment. For example: I will move next month「来月引っ越しします」(らいげつひっこしします). They are moving to Tokyo「彼らは東京に引っ越しします」(かれらはとうきょうにひっこしします). The term is often used in contexts involving packing, transporting belongings, and settling into a new home. 強引: "Forceful". The Japanese adjective '強引 (ごういん)' means 'forceful' or 'pushy'. It describes actions or behavior that are done in a way that disregards others' opinions or feelings, often implying a lack of consideration or subtlety. This word carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting that the action is overly aggressive or coercive. For example: He made a forceful decision「彼は強引に決めた」(かれはごういんにきめた). The salesman was pushy「そのセールスマンは強引だった」(そのセールスマンはごういんだった). It is often used to criticize someone's behavior or approach. 引用: "Quote". The Japanese verbal noun '引用 (いんよう)' means 'quote' or 'citation'. It refers to the act of quoting or citing a text, speech, or other source. This term is commonly used in academic, professional, and everyday contexts when referencing someone else's words or ideas. For example: I quoted a famous author「有名な作家を引用した」(ゆうめいなさっかをいんようした). Please cite the source properly「出典を適切に引用してください」(しゅってきをてきせつにいんようしてください). The nuance of '引用' emphasizes the act of borrowing or referencing, often to support an argument or provide evidence. 字引: "Dictionary". The Japanese noun '字引 (じびき)' refers to a 'dictionary'. It is a somewhat old-fashioned or colloquial term for a dictionary, often used in casual contexts. The word literally combines '字 (じ)' meaning 'character' or 'letter' and '引 (びき)' meaning 'to pull' or 'to refer to', suggesting something you refer to for characters or words. Example sentences: I bought a new dictionary「新しい字引を買った」(あたらしいじびきをかった). She always carries a dictionary「彼女はいつも字引を持っている」(かのじょはいつもじびきをもっている). Note that while '字引' is still understood, modern Japanese more commonly uses '辞書 (じしょ)' for 'dictionary'. 引っ張る: "Pull" or "Stretch". The Japanese verb '引っ張る (ひっぱる)' primarily means 'to pull' or 'to stretch'. It is used to describe physically pulling something, such as pulling a rope or dragging an object. It can also metaphorically mean to stretch something, like stretching the truth or extending a deadline. For example: He pulled the rope「彼はロープを引っ張った」(かれはロープをひっぱった). The boss stretched the deadline「上司は締め切りを引っ張った」(じょうしはしめきりをひっぱった). Note that this verb often implies a continuous or forceful action, and it is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. 引き受ける: "Accept" or "Undertake". The Japanese verb '引き受ける (ひきうける)' primarily means 'to undertake' or 'to accept' a responsibility, task, or role. It implies taking on something that requires effort or commitment. For example: I will undertake this project「このプロジェクトを引き受けます」(このプロジェクトをひきうけます). He accepted the role of team leader「彼はチームリーダーの役割を引き受けた」(かれはチームリーダーのやくわりをひきうけた). The verb can also be used in contexts where someone takes responsibility for a situation or outcome, such as in 'She accepted the blame for the mistake「彼女はそのミスの責任を引き受けた」(かのじょはそのミスのせきにんをひきうけた).' The nuance of '引き受ける' often conveys a sense of willingness or readiness to handle something challenging. 引き上げる: "Raise" or "Withdraw". The Japanese verb '引き上げる (ひきあげる)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to raise' or 'to lift up', often used in contexts involving physical elevation or increasing something. For example: they raised the flag「彼らは旗を引き上げた」(かれらははたをひきあげた). The second meaning is 'to withdraw' or 'to pull back', commonly used in contexts involving retreating or removing something. For example: the troops withdrew from the area「部隊はその地域から引き上げた」(ぶたいはそのちいきからひきあげた). The verb can also be used metaphorically, such as withdrawing money or raising prices. Note that the meaning depends heavily on the context in which it is used. 索引: "Index". The Japanese noun '索引 (さくいん)' means 'index'. It refers to a list of terms, topics, or names, often found at the end of a book, that helps readers locate specific information within the text. This term is commonly used in academic, technical, and reference materials. For example: The index is at the back of the book「索引は本の後ろにあります」(さくいんはほんのうしろにあります). Please check the index for the page number「ページ番号を索引で確認してください」(ページばんごうをさくいんでかくにんしてください). The word is neutral in tone and is widely understood in both formal and informal contexts. 引き起こす: "Cause" or "Trigger". The Japanese verb '引き起こす (ひきおこす)' means 'to cause' or 'to trigger'. It is used to describe the act of bringing about a situation, event, or condition, often with a focus on the consequences. This verb can be used in both positive and negative contexts, but it is more commonly associated with negative outcomes. For example: The heavy rain caused a flood「大雨が洪水を引き起こした」(おおあめがこうずいをひきおこした). His careless remark triggered an argument「彼の不用意な発言が議論を引き起こした」(かれのふよういなはつげんがぎろんをひきおこした). It is important to note that '引き起こす' often implies a direct or significant impact, making it suitable for serious or notable events. 引き出す: "Withdraw" or "Draw out". The Japanese verb '引き出す (ひきだす)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to draw out,' which can refer to extracting something physically, such as pulling an object from a container, or metaphorically, such as eliciting information or potential from someone. The second meaning is 'to withdraw,' specifically in the context of taking money out of a bank account. Example sentences: He drew out his wallet from his bag「彼はバッグから財布を引き出した」(かれはバッグからさいふをひきだした). She withdrew money from the ATM「彼女はATMからお金を引き出した」(かのじょはATMからおかねをひきだした). The verb is commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts, making it versatile in everyday conversation. 引きずる: "Drag". The Japanese verb '引きずる (ひきずる)' primarily means 'to drag'. It can be used both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it refers to pulling something along the ground, such as dragging a heavy object. For example: He dragged the suitcase「彼はスーツケースを引きずった」(かれはスーツケースをひきずった). Figuratively, it can describe prolonging or dragging out a situation, emotion, or problem. For example: She dragged out the conversation「彼女は会話を引きずった」(かのじょはかいわをひきずった). Additionally, it can imply being weighed down by something, such as lingering feelings or consequences. For example: He is still dragging the past「彼はまだ過去を引きずっている」(かれはまだかこをひきずっている). 引き取る: "Take" or "Withdraw". The Japanese verb '引き取る (ひきとる)' has two primary meanings. The first meaning is 'to take' or 'to take in', often used in contexts where someone takes responsibility for something or someone, such as taking in a stray animal or accepting a package. For example: I took in the stray cat「私はその野良猫を引き取った」(わたしはそののらねこをひきとった). The second meaning is 'to withdraw' or 'to retire', used in contexts where someone steps back or retreats from a situation. For example: He withdrew from the meeting「彼は会議から引き取った」(かれはかいぎからひきとった). The verb can also imply a sense of responsibility or care, especially in the first meaning. 引っ掛かる: "Catch" or "Get stuck". The Japanese verb '引っ掛かる (ひっかかる)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to catch' or 'to get caught', often referring to something physically getting caught or snagged. For example: The kite got caught in the tree「凧が木に引っ掛かった」(たこがきにひっかかった). The second meaning is 'to get stuck', which can refer to both physical and metaphorical situations, such as being stuck in traffic or caught in a scam. For example: I got stuck in traffic「渋滞に引っ掛かった」(じゅうたいにひっかかった). This verb is commonly used in everyday situations and carries a sense of something unexpectedly getting caught or stuck. 値引き: "Discount". The Japanese verbal noun '値引き (ねびき)' refers to a reduction in price or a discount. It is commonly used in shopping contexts, negotiations, or when discussing price adjustments. For example: Can you give me a discount?「値引きしてくれませんか?」(ねびきしてくれませんか?). The store offered a 10% discount「その店は10%の値引きをした」(そのみせは10パーセントのねびきをした). This term is often used in business or retail settings to indicate a price reduction, and it can be applied to goods, services, or even bills. 長引く: "Prolong". The Japanese verb '長引く (なが びく)' means 'to prolong' or 'to drag on'. It is used to describe situations, events, or conditions that continue for a longer time than expected or desired. This verb often carries a nuance of something being extended beyond what is ideal or convenient. For example: The meeting dragged on「会議が長引いた」(かいぎがながびいた). Her cold has been lingering「彼女の風邪が長引いている」(かのじょのかぜがながびいている). It can also be used in contexts like negotiations, illnesses, or projects that take longer than anticipated. 引き分け: "Draw". The Japanese noun '引き分け (ひきわけ)' refers to a 'draw' or 'tie' in the context of competitions, games, or matches. It is used when the outcome is even, with no clear winner or loser. For example: The game ended in a draw「試合は引き分けに終わった」(しあいはひきわけにおわった). The match was a tie「その試合は引き分けだった」(そのしあいはひきわけだった). This term is commonly used in sports, board games, or any competitive scenario where the result is balanced. 引き止める: "Stop" or "Detain". The Japanese verb '引き止める (ひきとめる)' primarily means 'to stop' or 'to detain'. It is used when someone tries to prevent another person from leaving or moving forward. This verb often carries a sense of urgency or insistence. For example: I tried to stop him from leaving「彼を引き止めようとした」(かれをひきとめようとした). The police detained the suspect「警察は 容疑者を引き止めた」(けいさつはようぎしゃをひきとめた). The verb can also imply a physical or emotional effort to keep someone in place, such as in a conversation or during an argument. 割り引く: "Discount". The Japanese verb '割り引く (わりびく)' means 'to discount' or 'to reduce the price of something'. It is commonly used in commercial or financial contexts to indicate a reduction in cost or value. For example: The store discounted the price「店は値段を割り引いた」(みせはねだんをわりびいた). They discounted the importance of the issue「彼らはその問題の重要性を割り引いた」(かれらはそのもんだいのじゅうようせいをわりびいた). Note that this verb can also be used metaphorically to describe reducing the significance or value of something non-monetary. 割り引き: "Discount". The Japanese verbal noun '割り引き (わりびき)' means 'discount'. It refers to a reduction in the usual price of something, often used in shopping contexts. This term is commonly seen in stores, advertisements, and sales promotions. For example: I got a discount on this shirt「このシャツは割り引きしてもらった」(このシャツはわりびきしてもらった). The store is offering a 20% discount today「今日は20%の割り引きをしています」(きょうは20パーセントのわりびきをしています). Note that '割り引き' is often used with percentages or specific amounts to indicate the extent of the discount. 引っ込む: "Withdraw". The Japanese verb '引っ込む (ひっこむ)' primarily means 'to withdraw' or 'to pull back'. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts. For example, physically withdrawing into a space: he withdrew into his room「彼は部屋に引っ込んだ」(かれはへやにひっこんだ). Metaphorically, it can describe someone retreating from a situation or conversation: she withdrew from the argument「彼女は議論から引っ込んだ」(かのじょはぎろんからひっこんだ). Additionally, '引っ込む' can imply something receding or sinking in, such as a receding hairline「髪の毛が引っ込んでいる」(かみのけがひっこんでいる). The verb often carries a nuance of retreating or moving away from a previous position or state. 引き: "Pull". The Japanese noun '引き (ひき)' primarily means 'pull'. It is often used in contexts related to pulling or drawing something, such as in fishing or drawing a bow. It can also refer to the act of attracting or drawing in, as in attracting customers. For example: He has a strong pull「彼は強い引きがある」(かれはつよいひきがある). The shop uses discounts to pull in customers「その店は引きをするために割引を使う」(そのみせはひきをするためにわりびきをつかう). Note that '引き' can also be part of compound words, where it retains the meaning related to pulling or drawing. 引き継ぐ: "Inherit" or "Takeover". The Japanese verb '引き継ぐ (ひきつぐ)' primarily means 'to inherit' or 'to take over'. It is used when someone takes over a role, responsibility, or tradition from someone else. This verb often implies a sense of continuity and responsibility. For example: he inherited his father's business「彼は父親の事業を引き継いだ」(かれはちちおやのじぎょうをひきついだ). She took over the project from her colleague「彼女は同僚からプロジェクトを引き継いだ」(かのじょはどうりょうからプロジェクトをひきついだ). The verb can also be used in contexts where traditions or customs are passed down through generations, such as inheriting family traditions「家族の伝統を引き継ぐ」(かぞくのでんとうをひきつぐ). 引き返す: "Turn back". The Japanese verb '引き返す (ひきかえす)' means 'to turn back' or 'to return'. It is used when someone or something reverses direction and goes back to a previous location or state. This verb can be used in various contexts, such as physical movement, decisions, or actions. For example: He turned back halfway through the journey「彼は途中で引き返した」(かれはとちゅうでひきかえした). Due to the bad weather, we had to turn back「悪天候のため、引き返さなければならなかった」(あくてんこうのため、ひきかえさなければならなかった). The verb often implies a deliberate decision to go back, rather than simply returning. 引き伸ばす: "Stretch". The Japanese verb '引き伸ばす (ひきのばす)' primarily means 'to stretch' or 'to extend'. It is often used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it can refer to physically stretching something, such as pulling dough or extending a rubber band. Figuratively, it can mean prolonging or dragging out a situation, such as extending a conversation or delaying a decision. Example sentences: He stretched the dough「彼は生地を引き伸ばした」(かれはきじをひきのばした). They are prolonging the meeting「彼らは会議を引き伸ばしている」(かれらはかいぎをひきのばしている). 引き延ばす: "Stretch" or "Prolong". The Japanese verb '引き延ばす (ひきのばす)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'to prolong' or 'to extend' in terms of time or duration. For example: he prolonged the meeting「彼は会議を引き延ばした」(かれはかいぎをひきのばした). The second meaning is 'to stretch' or 'to elongate' in a physical sense. For example: she stretched the dough「彼女は生地を引き延ばした」(かのじょはきじをひきのばした). This verb is often used in contexts where something is being extended or stretched beyond its original state, whether in time or physical form. 引っ掛ける: "Hook" or "Trick". The Japanese verb '引っ掛ける (ひっかける)' has two primary meanings. The first is 'to hook', which refers to physically catching or attaching something with a hook. For example: he hooked the fish「彼は魚を引っ掛けた」(かれはさかなをひっかけた). The second meaning is 'to trick', which involves deceiving someone. For example: she tricked him into buying the car「彼女は彼を引っ掛けて車を買わせた」(かのじょはかれをひっかけてくるまをかわせた). This verb can also imply a quick or casual action, such as hanging a coat on a hook or snagging something briefly. It's versatile and context-dependent, so the intended meaning is often clear from the situation. To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.
But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.
Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.
This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:
The hiragana "ひ" is read as "hi". The hiragana "い" is read as "i". And The hiragana "ん" is read as "n".