What is the Kanji for 'Rather' and 'Courteous'? | 寧

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Rather' and 'Courteous' is 寧.

kanji

寧

Meaning

Rather, Courteous

Reading

kunyomiむし

mushi

onyomiねい

nei

Parts

寍丁Street

Example Word

丁寧: polite. The Japanese adjectival noun '丁寧 (ていねい)' primarily means 'polite' or 'courteous'. It is used to describe actions, speech, or behavior that is considerate, respectful, and carefully executed. This word can also imply thoroughness or meticulousness in how something is done. For example: She speaks politely「彼女は丁寧に話します」(かのじょはていねいにはなします). He wrote a polite letter「彼は丁寧な手紙を書いた」(かれはていねいなてがみをかいた). The teacher explained the lesson carefully「先生は丁寧に授業を説明した」(せんせいはていねいにじゅぎょうをせつめいした). Note that '丁寧' can also describe something done with great care or attention to detail, such as '丁寧な仕事 (ていねいなしごと)' (careful work).

Radical

宀

Stroke Count

JLPT

Grade

Frequency

1124

Handwriting

Parts of the Kanji 寧

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

component

寍

kanji

丁

Meaning

Street

Words Using 寧

This kanji is used in 2 words:

word

寧ろ

Meaning

Rather

word

丁寧

Meaning

Polite

Kanji Related to 寧 Through the Part 丁

These 9 kanji contain the part 丁 as well.

kanji

町

Meaning

Town

kanji

行

Meaning

kanji

可

Meaning

Possible

kanji

庁

Meaning

Government office, Agency

kanji

打

Meaning

Hit

kanji

灯

Meaning

Light, Lamp

kanji

訂

Meaning

Correct, Revise

kanji

亭

Meaning

Inn, Pavilion

kanji

頂

Meaning

Crown, Accept

Learn the Kanji 寧

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 寧 mean?

寧 means 'Rather' and 'Courteous'.

Japanese school students learn this kanji in Senior 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.