Quick answer
巻 is the kanji for "Roll". The most common reading is ま.く (maku). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Roll
Also : Volume · Coil · Wrap
Learn 巻 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
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 巻 represents 'SCROLL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of scroll.
On-reading: かん — remember this sound by associating it with scroll. Kun-reading: ま.く.
Example Sentences
好きなマンガの最新巻が発売されたので、すぐに買いました。
すきなまんがのさいしんかんがはつばいされたので、すぐにかいました。
The latest volume of my favorite manga was released, so I bought it right away.
台風に巻き込まれないように、早めに帰宅しました。
たいふうにまきこまれないように、はやめにきたくしました。
In order not to get caught up in the typhoon, I returned home early.
Vocabulary using 巻
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 Jul 22, 2026
Learn 巻 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.