こう
kou
JLPT N49 strokesKanjiLevel 13 - JLPT N4

Quick answer

皇 is the kanji for "Emperor". The most common reading is こう (kou). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.

Meaning

Emperor

Also : Imperial · Sovereign

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Readings

onこう/ kouonおう/ ou

kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading

Practice writing

Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.

Stroke Order

9 strokes

Radicals

Example Sentences

皇帝の命令は絶対だ。

こうていのめいれいはぜったいだ。

The emperor's command is absolute.

皇居の周りをジョギングする。

こうきょのまわりをじょぎんぐする。

I jog around the Imperial Palace.

Vocabulary using 皇

Grammar to study at this level

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

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