Quick answer
号 is the kanji for "Item". The most common reading is さけ.ぶ (sakebu). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Item
Also : Number · Name · Title
Learn 号 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
5 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 号 represents 'NICKNAME'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of nickname.
On-reading: ごう — remember this sound by associating it with nickname. Kun-reading: さけ.ぶ.
Example Sentences
電話番号を教えてください。
でんわばんごうをおしえてください。
Please tell me your phone number.
台風が近づいているというニュースが号外で出ました。
たいふうがちかづいているというにゅーすがごうがいででました。
A special edition was published with news that a typhoon is approaching.
Vocabulary using 号
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
Learn 号 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.