Learn Japanese while reading Manga with our new Manga Reader Tool!

Nihongo

Classroom

What is the Kanji for 'Second' and 'Latter'? | 乙

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

The Japanese Kanji for 'Second' and 'Latter' is 乙.

    kanji

    乙

    Meaning

    Second, Latter

    Reading

    kunyomiおと

    oto

    きのと

    kinoto

    onyomiいつ

    itsu

    おつ

    otsu

    Example Word

    乙: second or unique. The Japanese noun '乙 (おつ)' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is 'second', as in the second of ten heavenly stems used in the traditional Japanese calendar system. For example: today is the second day of the cycle「今日は乙の日です」(きょうはおつのひです). The second meaning is 'unique' or 'unconventional', often used to describe something quirky or distinctive. For example: that artist has a unique style「あのアーティストは乙なスタイルだ」(あのアーティストはおつなスタイルだ). This second usage is more colloquial and can sometimes carry a slightly humorous or ironic tone.

    Radical

    乛

    Stroke Count

    1

    JLPT

    N1

    Grade

    8

    Frequency

    1559

    Radical Forms

    ⺄, ⺃, 𠃊, 乛

    Handwriting

乙 As Part Of Other Kanji

This kanji appears as part of 2 other kanji:

    kanji

    九

    Meaning

    Nine

    kanji

    礼

    Meaning

    Bow, Salute

Words Using 乙

This kanji is used in 1 word:

    word

    乙

    Meaning

    Second, Unique

Learn the Kanji 乙

Let's make sure you fully understand this kanji.

What does 乙 mean?

乙 means 'Second' and 'Latter'.

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.