Quick answer
悲 is the kanji for "Sad". Its reading is かな.しい (kanashii). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Sad
Also : Grieve · Regret · Deplore
Learn 悲 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
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 悲 represents 'GRIEVE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of grieve.
On-reading: ひ — remember this sound by associating it with grieve. Kun-reading: かな.しい.
Example Sentences
悲しいときは友達に話します。
かなしいときはともだちにはなします。
When sad I talk to friends.
別れが悲しかったです。
わかれがかなしかったです。
The farewell was sad.
Vocabulary using 悲
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 17, 2026
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