Quick answer
被 is the kanji for "Receive". The most common reading is こうむ.る (koumuru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Receive
Also : Cover · Wear · Put on · Shelter · Veil
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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
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 被 represents 'INCUR'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of incur.
On-reading: ひ — remember this sound by associating it with incur. Kun-reading: こうむ.る.
Example Sentences
台風の被害が深刻です。
たいふうのひがいがしんこくです。
The typhoon damage is serious.
被告が無罪を主張しています。
ひこくがむざいをしゅちょうしています。
The defendant claims innocence.
Vocabulary using 被
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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