Quick answer
波 is the kanji for "Waves". Its reading is なみ (nami). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Waves
Also : Billows
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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 波 represents 'WAVES'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of waves.
On-reading: は — remember this sound by associating it with waves. Kun-reading: なみ.
Example Sentences
海の波が激しくて、今日は泳ぐのは危険だと言われました。
うみのなみがはげしくて、きょうはおよぐのはきけんだといわれました。
The ocean waves are rough, and I was told it's dangerous to swim today.
新しい技術の波が産業構造を大きく変えています。
あたらしいぎじゅつのなみがさんぎょうこうぞうをおおきくかえています。
The wave of new technology is greatly changing the industrial structure.
Vocabulary using 波
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun] + に伴い～に伴い (ni tomonai) - Along with / In accordance with
- [Noun] + をはじめ～をはじめ (wo hajime) - Starting with / Including
- [Noun] + に応じて～に応じて (ni oujite) - According to / In response to
- [Noun] + から + [Noun] + にかけて～にかけて (ni kakete) - From...to / In the area of
- [Noun] + に限り～に限り (ni kagiri) - Limited to / Only
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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