Quick answer
若 is the kanji for "Young". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is わか.い (wakai). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Young
Also : If · Perhaps · Immature
Learn 若 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
8 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 若 represents 'YOUNG'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of young.
On-reading: じゃく — remember this sound by associating it with young. Kun-reading: わか.い.
Example Sentences
若いうちに経験を積むことが大切です。
わかいうちにけいけんをつむことがたいせつです。
It's important to gain experience while young.
若者の活躍が目立っています。
わかもののかつやくがめだっています。
Young people's activities are prominent.
Vocabulary using 若
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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