Quick answer
洋 is the kanji for "Ocean". The most common reading is よう (you). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Ocean
Also : Sea · Foreign · Western style
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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
9 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 洋 represents 'OCEAN'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of ocean.
On-reading: よう — remember this sound by associating it with ocean.
Example Sentences
太平洋を渡る旅が夢です。
たいへいようをわたるたびがゆめです。
My dream is to cross the Pacific Ocean.
洋食と和食どちらが好きですか？
ようしょくとわしょくどちらがすきですか？
Do you prefer Western food or Japanese food?
Vocabulary using 洋
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 18, 2026
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