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

寧ろ: rather. The Japanese adverb '寧ろ (むしろ)' is used to express a preference for one thing over another, often indicating that the speaker considers the second option to be more suitable, appropriate, or true than the first. It can also be used to contrast two ideas, emphasizing that the latter is more accurate or preferable. For example: I would rather stay home than go out「出かけるより寧ろ家にいたい」(でかけるよりむしろいえにいたい). It's not expensive; rather, it's cheap「高くない、寧ろ安い」(たかくない、むしろやすい). This adverb is often used in comparisons or when correcting a previous statement.

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.