Quick answer
刻 is the kanji for "Time". The most common reading is きざ.む (kizamu). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Time
Also : Chop · Hash · Mince · Engrave
Learn 刻 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 刻 represents 'ENGRAVE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of engrave.
On-reading: こく — remember this sound by associating it with engrave. Kun-reading: きざ.む.
Example Sentences
試験まで時間が刻一刻と迫ってきて、焦っています。
しけんまでじかんがこくいっこくとせまってきて、あせっています。
Time is ticking down moment by moment until the exam, and I'm getting anxious.
彫刻を見学しました。
ちょうこくをけんがくしました。
I saw the sculpture.
Vocabulary using 刻
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 Jul 22, 2026
Learn 刻 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.