Quick answer
書 is the kanji for "Book". A common reading is か.く (kaku). You can also practice writing it on this page.
Meaning
Book
Also : Write · Writing · Document
Learn 書 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
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
A hand holding a brush above a sun — the hand writes stories under daylight, each stroke painting words across the page like calligraphy.
しょ (sho) sounds like 'show' — writers show their stories by writing books.
Example Sentences
ノートに漢字を書いています。
のーとにかんじをかいています。
I'm writing kanji in my notebook.
友達に手紙を書きました。
ともだちにてがみをかきました。
I wrote a letter to my friend.
Vocabulary using 書
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
Learn 書 with Spaced Repetition
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