Quick answer
苦 is the kanji for "Suffering". Its reading is くる.しい (kurushii). This page includes example sentences and a stroke-order diagram.
Meaning
Suffering
Also : Hardship · Trial · Worry · Scowl
Learn 苦 with SRS
Free to start — no credit card. Track every review with spaced repetition.
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 苦 represents 'SUFFERING'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of suffering.
On-reading: く — remember this sound by associating it with suffering. Kun-reading: くる.しい.
Example Sentences
苦手なことを克服しました。
にがてなことをこくふくしました。
I overcame my weaknesses.
苦労した甲斐がありました。
くろうしたかいがありました。
The hard work was worth it.
Vocabulary using 苦
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 Jun 18, 2026
Learn 苦 with Spaced Repetition
InitialJ uses scientifically proven SRS to help you memorize kanji and vocabulary for the JLPT. N5 is free forever; no credit card required.