右
右 means ‘right’ as in the right-hand side or direction. It combines the element for hand with the concept of the right side.
Reading
On’yomi:
ウ (U)、
ユウ (YUU)
Kun’yomi:
みぎ (migi)
Basic Information
| Kanji | 右 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | right |
| Stroke Count | 5 |
| JLPT Level | N5 |
How to Understand This Kanji
右 is used for physical direction (turn right) as well as position (on the right side). It is always the counterpart of 左 (left) and the two are learned as a pair.
Common Words
-
右
（みぎ）
— right side -
右手
（みぎて）
— right hand -
右側
（みぎがわ）
— right side (of a road, etc.) -
右折
（うせつ）
— turning right -
右上
（みぎうえ）
— upper right -
左右
（さゆう）
— left and right
Example Sentences
-
次の角を右に曲がってください。
つぎのかどをみぎにまがってください。
Please turn right at the next corner.
-
右手に荷物を持っています。
みぎてににもつをもっています。
I am carrying a bag in my right hand.
-
右側を歩いてください。
みぎがわをあるいてください。
Please walk on the right side.
When Learners Usually See This Kanji
右 and 左 (left) are always studied together. A useful memory trick: 左 has the 工 component suggesting a tool in the left hand, while 右 has 口 (mouth) at the top — your right hand is the one you use to eat.
Summary
右 means ‘right’ and is one of the first directional words learned by beginners, always paired with 左 (left).
| Kanji | 右 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | right |
| On’yomi | ウ、ユウ (U, YUU) |
| Kun’yomi | みぎ (migi) |
| Strokes | 5 |
| JLPT | N5 |