Meaning

Primary

Sheep

Word Type

noun

Explanation

The kanji and the word are exactly the same. That means they share meanings as well.

Reading

ひつじ
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Since this word is made up of a single kanji, it should use the kun'yomi reading. When learning the kanji, you didn't learn that reading, so here's a mnemonic to help you with this word:

Imagine a sheep fighting with Jesus. The first thing it does is hits Jesus (ひつじ) in the stomach with its fists, then hits Jesus again with its horns. Try to imagine this playing out, with an announcer calling the shots as well.

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 羊をかぞえる

    to count sheep

    羊をかう

    to buy a sheep, to raise a sheep

    羊をさがす

    to search for a sheep

Context Sentences

この羊の毛は白いです。

This sheep's fur is white.

今夜は羊のカレーにしましょう。

Let's make mutton curry tonight.

うちには子羊と子牛が両方います。

We have both lamb and calves.

Kanji Composition