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欲

欲 — longing, covetousness, greed

Learn the correct stroke order for 欲 (longing), a 11-stroke kanji.

JLPT N3Grade 611 strokes

Stroke Order

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Stroke 0 / 11
On'yomi (音読み)ヨクyoku
Kun'yomi (訓読み)ほっ.するhossuru、ほ.しいhoshii
Strokes11
Radical欠
Frequency#902
Meaningslonging, covetousness, greed, passion, desire, craving

Step-by-Step Diagram

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Try Writing It

Practice writing each stroke in the correct order and direction. Start from the green dot.

Draw stroke 1 of 11 — start from the green dot

Common Words

食欲しょくよくappetite (for food)noun
性欲せいよくsexual desire; sex drive; lustnoun
無欲むよくunselfish; disinterested; unavariciousna-adjective
欲求よっきゅうdesire; want; willnoun
欲望よくぼうdesire; appetite; lustnoun
意欲いよくwill; desire; eagernessnoun

Usage & Examples

Usage Notes

The kanji 欲 (longing) is taught in grade 6 of Japanese elementary school and appears at JLPT N3 level. It has 11 strokes with radical 欠.

In newspaper frequency rankings, 欲 is #902, making it a frequently used kanji.

Example Words in Context

食欲しょくよく — appetite (for food)
性欲せいよく — sexual desire; sex drive; lust
無欲むよく — unselfish; disinterested; unavaricious

Practice Sheet

Trace then write on your own. Print this row as a PDF practice sheet.

Related Kanji

Same radical (欠)

欠lack次next欧Europe欺deceit款goodwill歌song歓delight

Frequently Asked Questions

How many strokes does 欲 have?

The kanji 欲 (longing) has 11 strokes. Watch the animation above to see the correct order.

What is the correct stroke order for 欲?

欲 follows the standard Japanese stroke order as taught in schools. Use the step-by-step diagram or the "Try Writing" tool above to practice each stroke in sequence.

What does 欲 mean?

欲 means: longing, covetousness, greed, passion, desire, craving. On'yomi readings: ヨク. Kun'yomi readings: ほっ.する, ほ.しい.

What JLPT level is 欲?

欲 is a JLPT N3 kanji. This is an intermediate kanji.