そう
sou
JLPT N214 strokesKanjiLevel 75 - JLPT N2

Quick answer

層 is the kanji for "Layer". A common reading is そう (sou). You can also practice writing it on this page.

Meaning

Layer

Also : Stratum · Story · Floor · Social class

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Readings

onそう/ sou

kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading

Practice writing

Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.

Stroke Order

14 strokes

Radicals

Memory Aid

Meaning ·

The kanji 層 represents 'STRATUM'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of stratum.

Reading ·

On-reading: そう — remember this sound by associating it with stratum.

Example Sentences

この社会問題は、あらゆる階層の人々に影響を与えています。

このしゃかいもんだいは、あらゆるかいそうのひとびとにえいきょうをあたえています。

This social problem is affecting people of all social strata.

大気層を守るために、排気ガスの削減が急務です。

たいきそうをまもるために、はいきがすのさくげんがきゅうむです。

In order to protect the atmosphere, reducing exhaust gases is urgent.

Vocabulary using 層

Grammar to study at this level

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

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