Onyomi 音読み

Kunyomi 訓読み

Explanation

Second; fish guts; strange

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Kanji Story

Imagine a fish swimming against the current. It stands out from the rest, symbolizing its uniqueness and its position as the 'second' in a race or competition. The strange movements of the fish also represent the unconventional nature of '乙'.

Frequency in JLPT exams

The kanji '乙' is less frequently encountered in JLPT materials compared to lower levels but may still appear in advanced reading comprehension sections of the N1 exam. Familiarity with its meanings and readings is important for comprehensive understanding.

Example Sentences

• 彼は大学で乙組に所属しています。

  He belongs to Group B at the university.

  かれはだいがくでおつぐみにしょぞくしています。

  kare wa daigaku de otsugumi ni shozoku shiteimasu.

  Pronunciation

• 乙女心には手を出さないでください。

  Please don't play with a girl's heart.

  おとめごころにはてをださないでください。

  otomegokoro ni wa te o dasanaide kudasai.

  Pronunciation

• 彼は乙な考え方を持っています。

  He has a unique way of thinking.

  かれはおつなかんがえかたをもっています。

  kare wa otsu na kangaekata o motteimasu.

  Pronunciation

Notes and Tips for JLPT students

• The kanji '乙' is relatively rare in contemporary usage but is important for the N1 level JLPT.
• Remember its onyomi reading 'オツ' when encountering compound words or phrases containing '乙'.
• Pay attention to the various contexts and meanings associated with '乙', including its sense of being 'second' or 'strange'.
• Practice writing the kanji to familiarize yourself with its stroke order, as it may appear in the reading comprehension sections of the JLPT.

Usage in Japanese Names

• Names like '乙川' (Otogawa) or '乙田' (Otoda) use the kanji '乙'. It can represent a sense of uniqueness or being the 'second' in a family or group.