📖 Meaning & Origin
The 水 radical represents water. In its standalone form it shows flowing water. As the side variant 氵 (three drops), it appears in dozens of kanji related to liquids, rivers, and water activities.
📚 Kanji by JLPT Level
💡 Teacher's Memory Tip
Look for the three-drop sideways version 氵 on the left side of kanji — it almost always means 'involves water.' Like 海 (sea) and 泳 (swim).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
The 水 radical means 'water.' As 氵 on the left side of a kanji, it signals that the kanji involves water, liquid, or fluid movement.
N5 kanji with 水/氵: 水 (water), 海 (sea — water + mother = nourishing water), 泳 (swim — water + body movement).
Find the three tiny dots (氵) on the left side of a kanji — that's water. Think of water splashing as you walk into a river.
Other N5 Radicals
Practice 「水」 kanji with AI
Nihongo Pass uses spaced repetition to help you master all N5 kanji.
Start Free Training →