Quick answer
玉 is the kanji for "Jewel". It is a JLPT N2 kanji. The main reading is たま (tama). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Jewel
Also : Ball
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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
5 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 玉 represents 'JEWEL'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of jewel.
On-reading: ぎょく — remember this sound by associating it with jewel. Kun-reading: たま.
Example Sentences
お正月にお年玉をもらって、とても嬉しかったです。
おしょうがつにおとしだまをもらって、とてもうれしかったです。
I was very happy to receive otoshidama (New Year's money gift) at New Year.
ビー玉で遊ぶのは昭和の子供の定番でした。
びーだまであそぶのはしょうわのこどものていばんでした。
Playing with marbles was a staple for Showa-era children.
Vocabulary using 玉
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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