Quick answer
明 is the kanji for "Bright". Its reading is あ.かり (akari). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Bright
Also : Light · Clear
Learn 明 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
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 明 represents 'BRIGHT'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of bright.
On-reading: めい — remember this sound by associating it with bright. Kun-reading: あ.かり.
Example Sentences
部屋が暗いので、もっと明るくしてください。
へやがくらいので、もっとあかるくしてください。
The room is dark, so please make it brighter.
明日は晴れますか?
あしたははれますか?
Will it be sunny tomorrow?
Vocabulary using 明
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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