由
JLPT N5Kun-yomi (Japanese reading)
よし
On-yomi (Chinese reading)
ユ、ユウ、ユイ
Meaning
Reason, cause, from
Stroke Count
5 strokes
Examples
理由
Related Vocabulary
📝 How to Remember
With 5 strokes, 「由」is easy to write once you learn the stroke order. Practice writing it 5 times daily until it becomes automatic.
⚠️ Teacher's Note — On-yomi vs Kun-yomi
「由」has both On-yomi (ユ、ユウ、ユイ) and Kun-yomi (よし). On-yomi is typically used in compound words (two kanji together), while Kun-yomi appears when the kanji stands alone or with hiragana.
🎯 JLPT N5 — How It's Tested
もんだい1 (Kanji Reading) & もんだい2 (Kanji Writing)
「由」typically appears in もんだい1, where you choose the correct reading, and もんだい2, where you choose the correct kanji for a hiragana word. Make sure you can recognize it both ways.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do you read the kanji 「由」?+
On-yomi: ユ、ユウ、ユイ. Kun-yomi: よし.
What does 「由」mean in Japanese?+
「由」means "Reason, cause, from". It is a JLPT N5 kanji — one of the most essential characters for beginners.
How many strokes does 「由」have?+
「由」is written with 5 strokes.
Is 「由」on the JLPT N5?+
Yes, 「由」is an official JLPT N5 kanji. Knowing all ~110 N5 kanji is essential for passing the exam.
Can you give an example sentence using 「由」?+
Yes: 理由. Practicing kanji in context is one of the most effective ways to remember them.
Practice 「由」 with AI