Quick answer
優 is the kanji for "Gentleness". Its reading is やさ.しい (yasashii). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Gentleness
Also : to excel · to surpass · Tenderness
Learn 優 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
17 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 優 represents 'TENDERNESS'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of tenderness.
On-reading: ゆう — remember this sound by associating it with tenderness. Kun-reading: やさ.しい.
Example Sentences
優しい人が好きです。
やさしいひとがすきです。
I like kind people.
優れた技術を持っています。
すぐれたぎじゅつをもっています。
He has excellent skills.
Vocabulary using 優
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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