Quick answer
塗 is the kanji for "Paint". The most common reading is ぬ.る (nuru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Paint
Also : Daub · Coat
Learn 塗 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
13 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 塗 represents 'PAINT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of paint.
On-reading: と — remember this sound by associating it with paint. Kun-reading: ぬ.る.
Example Sentences
壁を白く塗り直して、部屋の雰囲気が明るくなりました。
かべをしろくぬりなおして、へやのふんいきがあかるくなりました。
Repainting the wall white, the room's atmosphere became brighter.
プロの左官職人が壁を塗る様子は、まさに職人技でした。
ぷろのさかんしょくにんがかべをぬるようすは、まさにしょくにんわざでした。
The sight of a professional plasterer plastering a wall was truly craftsman's work.
Vocabulary using 塗
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Learn 塗 with Spaced Repetition
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