毎 – Every / Each (Mai Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 毎.
Kanji 毎 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
毎 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in nearly all compounds involving recurring time periods, such as 毎日 (mainichi – every day), 毎週 (maishuu – every week), and 毎年 (maitoshi/mainen – every year).
毎 Stroke Order – How to Write 毎
毎 is written with 6 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the top hook stroke, then the two short horizontal strokes, finishing with the curving diagonal and dot below.
Common Words Using 毎 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 毎, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 毎
See 毎 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
私は毎日日本語を勉強します。
わたしは まいにち にほんごを べんきょうします。
Watashi wa mainichi nihongo o benkyou shimasu.
I study Japanese every day.
毎週日曜日にジムに行きます。
まいしゅう にちようびに じむに いきます。
Maishuu nichiyoubi ni jimu ni ikimasu.
I go to the gym every Sunday.
毎朝六時に起きます。
まいあさ ろくじに おきます。
Maiasa rokuji ni okimasu.
I wake up at six every morning.
彼は毎年家族と旅行します。
かれは まいとし かぞくと りょこうします。
Kare wa maitoshi kazoku to ryokou shimasu.
He travels with his family every year.
毎晩、日記を書いています。
まいばん、にっきを かいています。
Maiban, nikki o kaite imasu.
I write in my diary every night.
Frequently Asked Questions About 毎
What does the Kanji 毎 mean?
毎 means "every" or "each." It is a highly practical JLPT N5 kanji used to build time expressions such as 毎日 (mainichi, every day) and 毎週 (maishuu, every week).
What is the Onyomi reading of 毎?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading of 毎 is マイ (mai), as in 毎日 (mainichi, every day) and 毎年 (maitoshi/mainen, every year).
Does 毎 have a Kunyomi reading?
毎 does not have a common Kunyomi reading used in modern Japanese; it is read using its Onyomi マイ (mai) in essentially all everyday time expressions.
How many strokes does 毎 have?
毎 is written with 6 strokes.
Is 毎 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 毎 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for talking about daily routines and recurring time periods, such as 毎日 (mainichi, every day).
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