📖 Meaning & Origin
The 口 radical is a simple square representing the mouth — an opening through which we speak, eat, and breathe. It appears in kanji about speech, eating, entrances, and counts (口 is a counter for people).
📚 Kanji by JLPT Level
💡 Teacher's Memory Tip
A small square = an open mouth. Any kanji with 口 involves something going in or out: sounds, words, food, or people (counted by 口).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The 口 radical means 'mouth' or 'opening.' It's one of the simplest radicals — a square — and appears in many common kanji at N5.
N5 kanji with 口: 口 (mouth), 名 (name — evening + mouth = speaking your name at night), 古 (old — 口 below a cross = old words), 右 (right), 左 (left).
Draw a simple box □ — that's a mouth. Kanji with □ inside or as the base usually involve speaking, eating, or opening/closing.
Other N5 Radicals
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