Quick answer
放 is the kanji for "Release". Its reading is はな.す (hanasu). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Release
Also : Emit · Fire · Shoot · Banish
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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 放 represents 'SET FREE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of set free.
On-reading: ほう — remember this sound by associating it with set free. Kun-reading: はな.す.
Example Sentences
仕事を終えた後の解放感は格別だった。
しごとをおえたあとのかいほうかんはかくべつだった。
The sense of release after finishing work was exceptional.
ゴミを放置しないでください。
ごみをほうちしないでください。
Please do not leave garbage unattended.
Vocabulary using 放
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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