Quick answer
抱 is the kanji for "Hug". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is だ.く (daku). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Hug
Also : Embrace · Hold in arms
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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
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 抱 represents 'EMBRACE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of embrace.
On-reading: ほう — remember this sound by associating it with embrace. Kun-reading: だ.く.
Example Sentences
子供を優しく抱きしめました。
こどもをやさしくだきしめました。
I gently hugged the child.
大きな問題を抱えています。
おおきなもんだいをかかえています。
I'm holding a big problem.
Vocabulary using 抱
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
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