hold / embrace
N2- Onyomi
- ホウ
- Kunyomi
- だ(く)・かか(える)
- Stroke count
- 8
- JLPT
- N2
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 抱 down and you get 扌 (hand) — a hand reaching in from the left. Picture two cupped hands together, offering something held between them, put 抱 inside it, and let that scene stand for "hold" — hold / embrace. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 8
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は8画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 8 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
辛抱
shinbou
patience
抱く
idaku
to hold (feelings)
抱える
kakaeru
to hold
抱えて
kakaete
hold — te-form
抱いて
idaite
hold (feelings) — te-form
抱えます
kakaemasu
hold — polite present
Example sentences (6)
結果が出るまで辛抱が必要です。
けっか が でる まで しんぼう が ひつよう です。
kekka ga deru made shinbou ga hitsuyou desu.
You need patience until the results come.
あと少しの辛抱だと自分に言い聞かせて、続けました。
あと すこし の しんぼう だ と じぶん に いいきかせて、つづけました。
ato sukoshi no shinbou da to jibun ni iikikasete, tsuzukemashita.
I told myself it was just a little more to endure, and kept going.
将来に不安を抱く人は少なくありません。
しょうらい に ふあん を いだく ひと は すくなく ありません。
shourai ni fuan o idaku hito wa sukunaku arimasen.
There are quite a few people who feel anxious about the future.
初めて日本に来たとき、大きな期待を抱いていました。
はじめて にほん に きた とき、おおきな きたい を いだいて いました。
hajimete nihon ni kita toki, ookina kitai o idaite imashita.
When I first came to Japan, I held great expectations.
彼は大きな問題を抱えています。
かれ は おおきな もんだい を かかえています。
kare wa ookina mondai o kakaeteimasu.
He is dealing with a big problem.
一人で仕事を抱えないで、周りに相談してください。
ひとり で しごと を かかえないで、まわり に そうだん して ください。
hitori de shigoto o kakaenaide, mawari ni soudan shite kudasai.
Do not take on all the work alone; please talk to the people around you.