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 / migi） — right side
- 右手（みぎて / migite） — right hand
- 右側（みぎがわ / migigawa） — right side (of a road, etc.)
- 右折（うせつ / usetsu） — turning right
- 右上（みぎうえ / migiue） — upper right
- 左右（さゆう / sayū） — 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。 / Tsugi no kado o migi ni magatte kudasai.
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。 / Migite ni nimotsu o motte imasu.
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。 / Migigawa o aruite kudasai.
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).