Readings: ジュ (Onyomi), う.ける, う.かる, う.け (Kunyomi)
Meaning: Receive, accept, undergo, suffer, catch, take
The kanji 受 (うける) is a pictograph depicting two hands (又 and 爪, a variant of 手) passing an object (爻). This visual representation clearly conveys the meaning of giving and receiving. Over time, its primary meaning evolved to “receive” or “accept.”
View JLPT N3 Kanji ListHow to Write – Stroke Order
The kanji 受 is written with 8 strokes. Start with the two horizontal strokes at the top. Follow with the two vertical strokes. Then, draw the crossing diagonal stroke. Finish with the two strokes that form the 又 (mata) radical at the bottom.
Kanji Details
| Radical | 又 |
|---|---|
| Strokes | 8 |
| JLPT Level | N3 |
| Grade | 3 |
Readings with English Transcription
Onyomi (Chinese readings)
- ジュ (ju)
Kunyomi (Japanese readings)
- う.ける (u.keru)
- う.かる (u.karu)
- う.け (u.ke)
Common Words Using 受
Onyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 受験 | じゅけん | taking an examination |
| 受信 | じゅしん | reception (of a message), receiving |
| 受講 | じゅこう | taking a lecture/course |
| 受精 | じゅせい | fertilization |
| 受動 | じゅどう | passive |
| 受難 | じゅなん | suffering, passion |
| 受給 | じゅきゅう | reception (of benefits) |
| 受領 | じゅりょう | receipt, acknowledgement |
| 受益 | じゅえき | receiving benefit |
| 受賞 | じゅしょう | winning a prize |
Kunyomi Readings
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 受ける | うける | to receive, to accept, to undergo |
| 受け取る | うけとる | to receive, to accept |
| 受け止める | うけとめる | to catch, to stop (an attack), to accept (emotionally) |
| 受け入れる | うけいれる | to accept, to receive, to agree |
| 受かる | うかる | to pass (an exam, etc.) |
| 受付 | うけつけ | reception, information desk |
| 受身 | うけみ | passive (voice); defensive posture |
| 受け口 | うけぐち | recipient, receiving end |
| 受け持ち | うけもち | charge, responsibility |
| 受け売り | うけうり | second-hand information, retailing |
Example Sentences
Japanese: 荷物を受け取ってください。
Kana: にもつをうけとってください。
Romaji: Nimotsu o uketotte kudasai.
English: Please receive the package.
Japanese: 彼は試験に受かりました。
Kana: かれはしけんにうかりました。
Romaji: Kare wa shiken ni ukarimashita.
English: He passed the exam.
Japanese: 私は彼の提案を受け入れた。
Kana: わたしはかれのていあんをうけいれた。
Romaji: Watashi wa kare no teian o ukeireta.
English: I accepted his proposal.
Japanese: 受付はあちらです。
Kana: うけつけはあちらです。
Romaji: Uketsuke wa achira desu.
English: The reception desk is over there.
Japanese: 彼は賞を受賞した。
Kana: かれはしょうをじゅしょうした。
Romaji: Kare wa shō o jushō shita.
English: He won an award.
Japanese: 彼女は手術を受けた。
Kana: かのじょはしゅじゅつをうけた。
Romaji: Kanojo wa shujutsu o uketa.
English: She underwent surgery.
Japanese: 受信箱を確認してください。
Kana: じゅしんばこをかくにんしてください。
Romaji: Jushinbako o kakunin shite kudasai.
English: Please check your inbox.
Japanese: この学校は多くの受験生を受け入れている。
Kana: このがっこうはおおくのじゅけんせいをうけいれている。
Romaji: Kono gakkō wa ooku no jukensei o ukeirete iru.
English: This school accepts many applicants.
Japanese: そのニュースを受けて、彼は驚いた。
Kana: そのニュースをうけて、かれはおどろいた。
Romaji: Sono nyūsu o ukete, kare wa odoroita.
English: Receiving that news, he was surprised.
Japanese: これは受身形です。
Kana: これはうけみけいです。
Romaji: Kore wa ukemikei desu.
English: This is the passive form.
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