酷
ひど.い
hidoi
JLPT N114 strokesKanjiLevel 86 - JLPT N1
Quick answer
酷 is the kanji for "Cruel". The most common reading is ひど.い (hidoi). Mnemonics and example sentences are listed below.
Meaning
Cruel
Also : Severe · Unjust · Atrocious
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Readings
kunひど.い/ hidoionこく/ koku
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
14 strokes
Radicals
酉告
Example Sentences
彼の酷評に心が傷ついた。
かれのこくひょうにこころがきずついた。
His harsh criticism hurt my feelings.
酷暑の中、彼らは必死に働いた。
こくしょのなか、かれらはひっしにはたらいた。
They worked desperately in the intense heat.
Vocabulary using 酷
Grammar to study at this level
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + に際して～に際して (ni saishite) - On the occasion of
- [Noun] + をもとに(して)～をもとに (wo moto ni) - Based on
- [Noun/Verb dictionary form] + にあたって～にあたって (ni atatte) - When doing; Upon
- [Verb/Adjective/Noun] + にしろ/にせよ～にしろ／にせよ (ni shiro/ni seyo) - Even if; Regardless of
- [Noun] + をめぐって～をめぐって (wo megutte) - Concerning; Over; Surrounding
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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