Quick answer
起 is the kanji for "to wake up". The most common reading is お.きる (okiru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
to wake up
Also : to get up · to rise · to rouse
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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 起 represents 'ROUSE'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of rouse.
On-reading: き — remember this sound by associating it with rouse. Kun-reading: お.きる.
Example Sentences
毎朝六時に起きるようにしています。
まいあさろくじにおきるようにしています。
I make it a habit to wake up at six every morning.
事故が起きないよう注意します。
じこがおきないようにちゅういします。
I'll be careful so accidents don't happen.
Vocabulary using 起
Grammar to study at this level
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
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