JLPT N1 · 9 strokes
Kanji 故: "happenstance, especially, intentionally"
The kanji 故 means "happenstance, especially, intentionally, reason, cause, circumstances". It is written with 9 strokes and belongs to JLPT level N1, read コ in on'yomi and ゆえ, ふる.い, もと in kun'yomi.
Stroke order
Strokes are written in the order of the numbers. The order is not decorative: it is what gives the character its balance, and it is also how handwriting search works in Japanese dictionaries.
Readings
On'yomi (Sino-Japanese reading)
コ
Kun'yomi (native Japanese reading)
ゆえふる.いもと
In a kun'yomi reading, the dot separates the kanji from its okurigana: かた.る is read かたる and written 語る. A hyphen marks a bound position, like -び in 日.
At a glance
| Meaning | happenstance, especially, intentionally, reason, cause, circumstances |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 9 |
| JLPT level | N1 |
| Taught in Japan | grade 5 |
| Frequency rank | 612 of 2,501 |
Common words with 故
The most frequent words using this kanji, most common first, with furigana readings. Click one to open it in the reader.
- 何故why; how; for what reason
- 何故かsomehow; for some reason; without knowing why
- 事故accident; incident; trouble · circumstances; reasons
- 故郷ville natale, pays natal
- 何故ならbecause; the reason is; if you want to know why
- 故reason; cause; circumstances; grounds · because of; as a result of
- 故にtherefore; consequently
- 故障fault; trouble; breakdown; failure · damage (to a part of the body); injury; hurt
- 何故だかsomehow; for some reason; without knowing why
- 故the late; the deceased
- 交通事故traffic accident
- それ故にand so; therefore; for that reason
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