謙
謙·humble
- On-yomi
- ケン
- Kun-yomi
- none
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 謙虚 | けんきょ | modest, humble |
| 謙遜 | けんそん | modesty, self-effacement |
| 謙譲 | けんじょう | humility, deference |
| 謙譲語 | けんじょうご | humble language (keigo) |
Example sentences
彼は成功しても謙虚だ。
かれはせいこうしてもけんきょだ。
He stays humble even after succeeding.
日本語には謙譲語という敬語がある。
にほんごにはけんじょうごというけいごがある。
Japanese has a form of keigo called humble language.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 謙虚 as けんこ — it is けんきょ.
- Writing 嫌虚 for 謙虚.
Memory aid
Picture it
Words 言 beside 兼 (to hold back, combine) — holding your words back instead of pushing them forward.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 謙 mean?