Quick answer
連 is the kanji for "to lead". The most common reading is つら.なる (tsuranaru). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
to lead
Also : to join · to connect · Gang · Party
Learn 連 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
10 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 連 represents 'TAKE ALONG'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of take along.
On-reading: れん — remember this sound by associating it with take along. Kun-reading: つら.なる.
Example Sentences
連絡先を交換しました。
れんらくさきをこうかんしました。
We exchanged contact information.
日本と中国は連携を深めています。
にほんとちゅうごくはれんけいをふかめています。
Japan and China are deepening their cooperation.
Vocabulary using 連
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 11, 2026
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