Quick answer
貝 is the kanji for "Shellfish". It is a JLPT N2 kanji. The main reading is かい (kai). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Shellfish
Also : Clam · Shell
Learn 貝 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
7 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 貝 represents 'SHELLFISH'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of shellfish.
On-reading: ばい — remember this sound by associating it with shellfish. Kun-reading: かい.
Example Sentences
アサリやハマグリなどの貝料理は、旨味が豊富でおいしいです。
あさりやはまぐりなどのかいりょうりは、うまみがほうふでおいしいです。
Shellfish dishes like clams and hamaguri are rich in umami flavor and delicious.
海岸で貝殻を集めるのが子供の頃から好きでした。
かいがんでかいがらをあつめるのがこどものころからすきでした。
I've loved collecting shells on the beach since childhood.
Vocabulary using 貝
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 Jul 25, 2026
Learn 貝 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.