Quick answer
何 is the kanji for "What". It is a JLPT N5 kanji. The main reading is なに (nani). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
What
Also : Some · Which
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
A person (人) wearing a mysterious hood — when you see someone fully covered, you ask "What is this? Who are you?"
なに (nani) sounds like "nani" — the Japanese itself is the question!
Example Sentences
何が食べたいですか?
なにがたべたいですか?
What do you want to eat?
何時に起きましたか?
なんじにおきましたか?
What time did you wake up?
Vocabulary using 何
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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