Quick answer
絵 is the kanji for "Picture". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is かい (kai). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Picture
Also : Sketch · Drawing · Painting
Learn 絵 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
12 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 絵 represents 'PICTURE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of picture.
On-reading: かい — remember this sound by associating it with picture.
Example Sentences
絵本を子供に読みました。
えほんをこどもによみました。
I read a picture book to the child.
水彩画の絵を描くのが好きです。
すいさいがのえをかくのがすきです。
I like painting watercolor pictures.
Vocabulary using 絵
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように~ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする~ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる~ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり~ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ~はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 4, 2026
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