Readings: ギョ, ゴ (Onyomi), おん, お-, み- (Kunyomi)
Meaning: honorific/respectful prefix; control; manipulate; govern
The character 御 is derived from a pictogram of a person holding a whip (or reins) and standing behind a chariot. This visual depicts the act of “driving” or “controlling,” which evolved into meanings of “governing,” “manipulating,” and eventually into an honorific prefix, indicating respect for the person or thing being controlled/addressed.
View JLPT N3 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 御 has 11 strokes. It starts with the “gyōninben” radical on the left. Pay attention to the balance and order of strokes, especially the inner components and the final horizontal stroke.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 彳 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 11 |
| JLPT Level | N3 |
| Grade | S |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- ギョ (gyo)
- ゴ (go)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- おん (on)
- お- (o-)
- み- (mi-)
Common Words Using 御
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 御前 | ぎょぜん | before (a noble person), presence |
| 御所 | ごしょ | Imperial Palace |
| 御用 | ごよう | business, errand, official duties |
| 御覧 | ごらん | look (honorific form of 見る) |
| 御飯 | ごはん | cooked rice, meal |
| 御殿 | ごてん | palace, mansion |
| 御礼 | ごれい | thanks, gratitude (also おんれい) |
| 御成敗式目 | ごせいばいしきもく | Goseibai Shikimoku (feudal law code) |
| 御陵 | ごりょう | imperial mausoleum |
| 御縁 | ごえん | fate, destiny (in relationships), chance (often good) |
Kunyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 御手洗 | おてあらい | toilet, restroom |
| 御祝い | おいわい | celebration, congratulation |
| 御祭り | おまつり | festival |
| 御土産 | おみやげ | souvenir, present |
| 御茶 | おちゃ | tea |
| 御子様 | おこさま | child (polite) |
| 御髪 | おぐし | hair (honorific) |
| 御声 | おこえ | voice (honorific) |
| 御守り | おまもり | charm, amulet |
| 御膳 | おぜん | a tray for serving food; meal (honorific) |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 御飯を食べましたか？
Kana: ごはんをたべましたか？
Romaji: Gohan o tabemashita ka?
English: Did you eat your meal?
Japanese: お客様はもうすぐ御見えになります。
Kana: おきゃくさまはもうすぐおめえになります。
Romaji: Okyaku-sama wa mou sugu ome ni narimasu.
English: The guest will arrive soon (honorific).
Japanese: 京都御所は日本の歴史的な場所です。
Kana: きょうとごしょはにほんのれきしてきなばしょです。
Romaji: Kyōto Gosho wa Nihon no rekishiteki na basho desu.
English: Kyoto Imperial Palace is a historical place in Japan.
Japanese: お土産は御家族に喜ばれましたか？
Kana: おみやげはごかぞくに喜ばれましたか？
Romaji: Omiyage wa gokazoku ni yorokobaremashita ka?
English: Was the souvenir appreciated by your family?
Japanese: 御手洗はあちらです。
Kana: おてあらいはあちらです。
Romaji: Otearai wa achira desu.
English: The restroom is over there.
Japanese: 彼の御意見を伺いましょう。
Kana: かれのごいけんをうかがいましょう。
Romaji: Kare no goiken o ukagaimashou.
English: Let’s ask for his opinion (polite).
Japanese: この御守りはずっと持っています。
Kana: このおまもりはずっともっています。
Romaji: Kono omamori wa zutto motte imasu.
English: I’ve had this amulet for a long time.
Japanese: 温かい御茶をどうぞ。
Kana: あたたかいおちゃをどうぞ。
Romaji: Atatakai ocha o douzo.
English: Please have some warm tea.
Japanese: 御利用ありがとうございました。
Kana: ごりようありがとうございました。
Romaji: Goriyou arigatou gozaimashita.
English: Thank you for using our service.
Japanese: 明日は御祭りがあります。
Kana: あしたはおまつりがあります。
Romaji: Ashita wa omatsuri ga arimasu.
English: There will be a festival tomorrow.
Related Grammar & kanji list
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