憂
KANJI DETAIL
worry
On readingゆう15 strokesN3
Radical 心 · heartStroke order
Loading the stroke order for 憂.
Japanese readings
- On reading
- ゆう
- Kun reading
- うれえる, うれい, うい
Study notes
1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning
- Structure: 憂 has 15 strokes, the on-reading ゆう, and the kun-readings うれえる, うれい, and うい. 憂える (うれえる) means to worry or be concerned.
- Basic usage: 憂える can describe concern about society or one's hometown; 憂鬱 (ゆううつ) describes a gloomy, low mood.
2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions
- Worrying about a situation and feeling gloomy
- 森が減っていくことを憂えている means worrying about a shrinking forest. 憂えるだけでなく is used in the sentence suggesting action instead of merely worrying.
- 少し憂鬱な気分になる describes feeling a little gloomy during continued rainy weather. 憂鬱そうに黙っている describes remaining silent and looking gloomy after hearing grim news.