Onyomi 音読み

Kunyomi 訓読み

Explanation

Shell, money, wealth

Personalized Lesson For You!

Kanji Story

Imagine a shell with its curved shape and beautiful patterns. This shell represents wealth and prosperity, as it was once considered a valuable currency.

Frequency in JLPT exams

The kanji '貝' is considered a medium-level character and may appear in JLPT N2 exam materials. Understanding its readings and meanings is essential for vocabulary and reading comprehension sections of the test.

Example Sentences

• 海でたくさんの貝を拾いました。

  I picked up many shells at the beach.

  うみでたくさんのかいをひろいました。

  umi de takusan no kai o hiroimashita.

  Pronunciation

• 彼は貝を集めて趣味にしています。

  He collects shells as a hobby.

  かれはかいをあつめてしゅみにしています。

  kare wa kai o atsumete shumi ni shiteimasu.

  Pronunciation

• そのお店は高級な貝料理が有名です。

  That restaurant is famous for its high-end shellfish dishes.

  そのおみせはこうきゅうなかいりょうりがゆうめいです。

  sono omise wa koukyuu na kairyouri ga yuumei desu.

  Pronunciation

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

• '貝' is a common character that often appears in compound words related to money, wealth, or shellfish.
• It is important to remember the onyomi reading 'バイ' and its meaning as it is commonly used in words pertaining to currency or finance.
• The kunyomi reading 'かい' is usually used when referring to actual shells or shellfish.
• Pay attention to the stroke order while writing the kanji as it helps in proper character formation.

Usage in Japanese Names

• The kanji '貝' is rarely used in personal names. However, it can be found as part of surnames like '貝原' (Kaibara) or '貝塚' (Kaizuka), which may have historical or regional significance.