Quick answer
以 is the kanji for "by means of". It is a JLPT N4 kanji. The main reading is もっ.て (mote). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
by means of
Also : Because · In order to · Compared with
Learn 以 with SRS
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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
5 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 以 represents 'BY MEANS OF'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of by means of.
On-reading: い — remember this sound by associating it with by means of. Kun-reading: もっ.て.
Example Sentences
三時間以上勉強しました。
さんじかんいじょうべんきょうしました。
I studied for more than three hours.
以前より上手になりました。
いぜんよりじょうずになりました。
I've gotten better than before.
Vocabulary using 以
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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